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"Again, there's no need to make a huge deal about it, Gar. We can just go to dinner and a movie." Raven said for what felt like the millionth time.The shapeshifter waved his hand dismissively. "Yes, yes, I know. Don't worry; I'm not going to propose."She chuckled. "I'm serious, Garfield."He smiled at her. He knew she wasn't
that
serious. "Okay but this is our first date
as a couple.
And you killed it on our first date, so it's gonna be a
little
more than dinner and a movie."Raven frowned in confusion. "What first date?""You know, the one on the roof of X-Men Mansion. When you did all that cute projection magic and we kissed for the first time." The Changeling's smile widened absentmindedly at the memory."Oh, right.
That. Well that wasn't a date; that was an apology.
And
a way to soften you up to get you to sleep with me." The empath smirked.Garfield laughed openly. "Those are both common date scenarios, actually. And we gazed at the stars and ate and talked and kissed. It was a date, Rae."Raven rolled her eyes.
Maybe it WAS a date. "If you say so.""Hey, lovebirds! Less chatting, more training!" Nightwing shouted from where he was sparring with Robin. It had been quiet after Darkseid, but Richard Grayson didn't want his team to get too comfortable, so after Christmas he decided it was time for everyone to get back in shape. "And Rae, your magic is top-notch, go do something physical."Raven grunted. "Fine." She shot her boyfriend one more affectionate look. "See you later."The Changeling started working out and glancing at her on the treadmill whenever he could. She had taken her cape off to run in it and he just couldn't get over how amazing her legs were. She didn't use them that much because of all the floating, so he had no idea how she got those, but they were
stunning. He had to look away and focus when Starfire showed up to time him. He could turn into several animals from other planets and dimensions by now."Wow, you're doing really well, BB!" Kory beamed at him.Garfield shrugged. "I do well when I feel good. The problem is when I don't."Starfire glanced over at Raven then smiled knowingly at him. "Well let's hope you continue to feel good for now. Can you turn into Krypto?"The shapeshifter did so and flew around the training room while Kory clapped excitedly.Later, as the boys were taking a break from training, Damian raised an eyebrow at Nightwing and Changeling's hypnotized gazes and flushed cheeks. "What are you two drooling at…?" He turned his head and smirked. "Oh. I see."Starfire and Raven had decided to practice yoga and were bending into some vulnerable – and if Garfield and Dick were being honest, quite suggestive – positions. Damian was about to make fun of them for staring but then he tilted his head and frowned, slightly interested when the girls did the Plow Pose. He was young, not blind."That's some flexibility, huh?" The young Robin said, also openly watching them now.Richard hit his brother lightly with his bo-staff. "Stop staring, dude."Damian grunted. "You two are staring.""We can stare, we date them." Richard said plainly."Yup." The Changeling agreed.Damian rolled his eyes. "Well, you both look ridiculous.""I know, right? I took a picture, look." Cyborg showed Robin the picture he took of the two boys and they shared laughter.Richard and Garfield were unfazed, though. Then Raven whispered something to Starfire."Excuse me, do you boys mind giving us some privacy?" Kory shouted sweetly from where she and Raven were now doing the Crane Pose."We're not even looking." Richard shouted back, ignoring the judgmental stares from his brother and half-robotic friend.Raven cleared her throat. "Empath here. You're both making me very uncomfortable."Nightwing and the Changeling flushed deeply and rose to their feet while Cyborg and Damian laughed at them."I keep forgetting she can sense stuff..." Richard mumbled."Sorry, mama!" The shapeshifter yelled to his girlfriend.Raven grunted loudly. "I said
no
to that."Garfield chuckled as they left the girls alone to finish their exercise. He had been randomly calling Raven different pet names hoping at some point one of them would grow on her.That night, they went on their first official date as a couple. Raven asked Starfire for help, because she did want to look nice. No matter how much she still needed to talk to him about personal space and privacy, losing him was never an option. She wanted to stay in this relationship. She wanted to keep this intimacy and closeness for as long as he wanted her, and she had a feeling – or a crippling fear – that wouldn't last forever because eventually he would want someone who walked in sunshine like him, so she wanted to enjoy it while she could."Rae? Are you there?" Garfield asked on the other side of Starfire's door."I'm here.""Are you ready?"She opened the door and they both gasped. Raven's gasp was much more subtle and directed at the flowers in his hand – black satin dahlias, black magic hollyhocks and before-the-storm irises were tied together in a beautiful gothic bouquet. Garfield on the other hand gasped at how stunning she looked in her little black and purple dress with kimono sleeves. She was wearing the necklace he got her for Christmas and the half-updo braided hairstyle made her look all romantic."That…you look…" Garfield was definitely second guessing his jeans, t-shirt and jacket.Raven pointed at the flowers. "Is that for me?""Ah-YES!" The shapeshifter chuckled sheepishly and handed her the bouquet.She took it and smiled a little wider. "Thank you, these are beautiful.""You're
beautiful."Raven rolled her eyes while Kory giggled merrily behind her. "Okay, let's just go.""Wait, I need to change. You look way too good and I-""Don't be ridiculous, you look perfect." The empath said blankly as she walked past him.Garfield followed her eagerly, feeling his cheeks warm up. "I look
what!?""Have fun, you two!" Kory shouted happily in the back.Raven stopped by her room to carefully arrange her flowers in a vase."Did you say I look what now?" The shapeshifter pressed."Oh you heard me, Garfield. So where are we going anyway?"He offered his arm in a cheesy manner and Raven rolled her eyes and took his hand instead. Holding hands didn't make her cringe. She liked holding hands."So, I had a lot of ideas and I still want to do as many as I can with you, but then I remembered you asked me once what we would even do together if I like carnivals and you like walks on cemeteries…" Garfield said nervously.Raven's face softened. "Are we going to the carnival, Gar?""And the cemetery."Raven chuckled lightly. "You don't really want to take a walk on the cemetery with me."He really didn't. That place gave him chills during the day; he wasn't looking forward to how it felt to be there at night. But he wanted to please her. "Yes, I do."Raven's face was extremely amused and when she spoke again, her voice was softer. "You don't need to like everything I like, Gar.""But I like
everything
about you, I really do.""I know." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let's just go to the carnival and then we'll see, okay? I'm sure I'll have fun. You can get me another tacky giant chicken."The Changeling grinned widely. "Okay but we're having dinner first.""So…pizza place?"Garfield looked outraged. "You're my
life,
Raven. I'm not taking you for pizza like it's some regular Tuesday. No way."The sorcerer rolled her eyes yet again. "Then where?""I made a reservation at that new Thai place. You like Thai food, right?""Yes, I like Thai. But the new one is the fancy one.""Yeah, that one."The empath frowned. "Gar, we can't afford that.""Yes, we can. It's a date, I'm paying." He said through a charming smile.Raven narrowed her eyes. "Okay before I teleport us anywhere I need to know where you're getting all this money. First this fancy necklace and now this? Are you borrowing money from Dick or something? Because you really don't have to, I don't need any of it."The Changeling sighed. "Don't worry, I'm not spending money I don't have. I just, I worked a little and I saved some. Okay?""When? We've been together all the time." She crossed her arms over her chest.Garfield chuckled. "No, it was way before Darkseid. After we got back from the whole alternate Universe thing. Back when I was chasing you. I thought maybe if I had a chance to…you know. I wanted to have the option to take you somewhere…nice."Raven watched him with a mysterious, undecipherable expression on her face. Internally though, her thoughts were wild.
He's really been invested in this from the start. Maybe I shouldn't let him spend his money like this. I don't really deserve it. I'm making him waste all this time on me…but I tried to let him go. He said he doesn't want anyone else. Azar knows why but he loves me. I do want to go somewhere nice with him."…Rae?" Garfield was feeling uncomfortably nervous again."Are you sure this is how you want to spend your money?"He rolled his eyes fondly. "Yes. I really, really am.""Okay. Fancy Thai place it is. I'm paying next time, though."The shapeshifter smiled and nodded because he wasn't about to argue with her, and she teleported them to the restaurant. It really
was
nice – all private and quiet, which Raven really appreciated, and all romantic as well, which the Changeling was grateful for. He sat across from her and told her to order whatever she wanted. She rolled her eyes at him, but ordered something that seemed really good anyway.Garfield let out an infatuated sigh once they were alone again. "I really am so lucky. You're so beautiful."Raven returned his stare intently and her powers captured all the affection and desire emanating from him. She spoke in a whispery voice. "I'm lucky too."That nearly stopped his heart. "Do you really mean that?""Of course I do. Don't you know how I feel about you by now?""I…" The Changeling pondered for a moment.
Do I know how she feels about me?
"Well, I…I know you have romantic feelings for me.""Yes, we
are
on a date." Raven pointed out the obvious."Right, exactly." Garfield cleared his throat. "I'm just not sure about…well, the
depth
of those feelings. I've actually been meaning to ask you about something…"Their food arrived and Raven's eyes stayed intensely locked with his, giving him goosebumps until she finally averted her gaze to thank the man serving the table. As soon as they were alone again, she took a bite and her face became blissful."Good?" Garfield grinned.She swallowed. "So
good. This is amazing."The shapeshifter widened his grin and tried his food as well. It was delicious. He noticed a kid waving at him from another table and waved back. "So, how's that incognito spell going? Cause I think our relationship might be outed tonight…""It's going. Why? Are you ashamed of me or something?" Raven asked teasingly.Garfield huffed in absolute outrage. "Please. I want
everyone
to know. I just thought maybe you didn't.""Because I'm a private person." She stated before taking another bite.That and I'm scared that you're the one who's ashamed of me.
"Exactly.""It will come out eventually, most villains already know. Also, I don't really want to go on a date where you don't look like you."Garfield frowned. "But I could look like a regular version of me, right?" His frown turned into a flirtatious smile. "Like a handsome, normal version.""Well, sure. But I like
this
version." She said bluntly.He smiled wider, because he found that really flattering. "You haven't seen the regular one.""Don't need to. I like this one better."That massaged his ego nicely. If the Changeling was being honest, he felt much more like himself now than in his original state. His powers were such a huge part of him; he wouldn't give them up if he could. So he definitely appreciated her preference for this version, because this really was the truest version of him."So what did you want to ask me about?" Raven said when she finished her food."I've been meaning to ask you about the stuff you said that night at the park when I asked you about…do you remember? The one when the swing flew off an-""I remember.""Right, uh…sorry again about that, by the way." He shrugged and smiled apologetically."Water under the bridge."
Where is he going with this?"Anyway…when you got upset you said all this
what if
stuff, like what if I said this, and what if I said that what would be the point, etcetera..." He gestured around for emphasis."I remember my emotional breakdown, Garfield. What's the question?"The Changeling bit his lip. "I was just wondering if that's how you feel. Like, if the things you said then were how you really felt."Raven stared at him quizzically. "As opposed to…?""I dunno." He whispered. "But…is it? Is that how you feel?"
Please say yes, please say yes."Wasn't that obvious?" Raven's blank face showed a slight hint of confusion.Oh my God it IS how she feels. She feels that way about ME! Wait, that doesn't sound likely. Does she even remember what she said?
"Not to me.""Gar, what do you think I'm doing here?" Raven said in a slightly tired voice while gesturing to herself.
Haven't I made how I feel about him abundantly clear? How can he not know?Garfield's heart accelerated drastically. The things she said to him that night were very intense; almost like saying
I love you.
If she meant them, she liked him a whole lot more than he thought. "Could you maybe…repeat them? Now that you're not mad at me, I mean?"Raven frowned. "You know I struggle with saying stuff. Why do you want me to suffer?"His eyes widened and filled with regret. "No! No, I'd
never
want that. I wanted to hear them again now that I know you mean them, but you're right. I'm so sorry, I shouldn't have asked…"The empath sighed slowly and heavily while his face retorted in sorrow and fear poured out of him in alarming waves.
He's afraid I'll break up with him again.
She contemplated leaving it alone, because he was asking for a lot. He always asked for a lot, and he kept asking for more. This whole relationship was way out of her comfort zone, but he wanted these things so much and it wasn't fair to ask him to give them up because she was too weird for them.Garfield continued to ramble desperately. "…I didn't mean to upset you or be greedy, please forgive me. I ca-""Okay!" She blurted out. When he fell silent and stared at her with wide eyes, she continued. "It's okay; it's not a big deal. You want to hear me say I like you, that's not a crime. Relax."The Changeling blinked at her in silence and his heart began feeling light again."I don't remember exactly
what
I said though. It was all very intense and well…tell me what you want to hear again so badly." Raven said softly.
I can do this.There it is, that explains it. She doesn't remember what she said.
He was suddenly scared to tell her and watch her deny everything, feeling completely mortified for ever having implied she felt that intensely about him. But she
was
his girlfriend now. He had to be brave enough to talk to her about this because he really did want to know. If there was even the slightest chance she would confirm those feelings for him, he wanted to know."Well…you don't
have
to say it again, I was just wondering, you know…I totally get it if it was an in-the-heat-of-the-moment thing…" The Changeling said lamely."I know I don't
have
to. Just tell me."He took a deep breath and found a nice spot on the table to stare at while he spoke, feeling and sounding more and more insecure as he went on. "You said that uh…that you burn for me. And that when I touch you, you…you can't think straight. And then you said my light gives you uh…strength. And that you…lie awake thinking about me…and uh…that I have the power to…you know…break your heart."When he finally looked up at his girlfriend her cheeks were pink and her eyes were wide in the cutest possible way and he couldn't help but smile at her.Raven cleared her throat and straightened up on her seat feeling proud of herself for not exploding anything in this fancy expensive restaurant during all of
that. "Wow you really
memorized
that, huh?"It was Garfield's turn to blush. "Well, I…yeah.""Gar, I don't think I can say all that to you without my powers causing damage." She said truthfully and then she sensed conflict and confusion pouring out of him when he felt both dread and hope at the same time. "But I did mean them." She quickly added.The Changeling's wide eyes immediately shot up to meet hers at that last part."I do mean them. That is how I feel. Every word. Maybe later when we're back I can activate my crystal and…then I can repeat them if it means that much to you."Garfield's heart was full and warm and completely healed from any heartache it had ever felt. It also accelerated uncomfortably again.
She said every word. EVERY word. She JUST said it. She burns for me!? She lies awake thinking about me!? She feels that I give her…wait, does she love me!?
"Y-you did? You do? I-it is? You can? You
would!?"Raven smiled slightly at her flustered boyfriend.
So. Freaking. Cute.
Then she thought of something and her smile gained a mischievous sensual quality. "I'll do it, but then you have to do something for
me
after."She didn't want to withhold all the power in the relationship. She
wanted
to share it, not only because it would make him happier, but it would make her happier too because she did need him to feel safer and relax a little. But she wasn't just going to give it
all
away either.Raven's sexual comment interrupted Garfield's little meltdown and left his mind completely blank for a few seconds. Then it slowly started functioning again and he grinned idiotically at her, because hearing her say those things to him when they were alone in her room and then pleasing her sexually afterwards was a win-win situation for him. Raven's eyes were naughty again and he felt his skin tingle and burn with anticipation. "Anything you want, my dark queen." He whispered playfully. "I live to serve you."Raven's cheeky smile grew. "Good to know."Once they got to the carnival, Garfield immediately went to get her a prize. This time it wasn't as easy because he was actually nervous, and then he was getting frustrated and embarrassed so she may have magically meddled with the game just a little to make sure he hit the target. He didn't notice and when he beamed at her she knew for sure it was the right thing to do. She picked a giant teddy bear this time and then Garfield dragged her to the Ferris wheel."Hey, instead of the cemetery, let's just go on that ride." Raven said casually at some point.The Changeling looked in the direction she was pointing at and all color drained from his face. "The
scary
one?""It's a rollercoaster, you like rollercoasters." She shrugged, holding onto her teddy bear.The shapeshifter gulped. "It's a
haunted
rollercoaster."Raven rolled her eyes. "Garfield Logan, you have tamed your Beast, battled alien Gods, had sex in a demonic dimension –
with
a demon, taken a life to protect me and nearly died yourself. You can't seriously be scared of a haunted carnival ride."Garfield blinked blankly, realizing he
had
done all those things and she was right, it
didn't
make sense to be scared – and yet he was. But it was the
only
thing she'd asked for. She'd gone on
all
the rides he wanted, even though she was clearly bored on some of them, and she never complained.
And
she excused him from the entire graveyard portion of the date. Now she wanted him to go on this
one
ride with her. "Er…okay."It was absolutely terrifying, but the fact that Raven was right beside him looking completely unfazed really helped. He held onto her the entire time. He got jump scares and shouted and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder. Their ride photo came out with him desperately clinging to her while she had a tiny amused smile on her lips.Raven paid for the picture. "I want this.""So you don't think I'm a coward?" The Changeling asked, glancing at the compromising photo."I know you're not. I have no idea what
this
is." She held their photo up in the air. "But it's cute. I want it."Garfield's stupid gigantic grin came back and he blushed. He noticed she was rubbing her arms and it was getting chillier, so he took off his jacket and put it over her shoulders."No, you'll get cold."The shapeshifter shot her a flirty smile. "I won't. You make me feel warm inside."Raven rolled her eyes intently. "You're so cheesy."It didn't bother him, because she said it while properly putting on his jacket and he got to relish in that. It was too big for her and she looked really cute in it."Do you feel safe with me?" The empath suddenly asked, looking at their ride photo again.Garfield frowned as if that was the craziest question in the world. "Who wouldn't!?""No, I don't mean in that way. I mean, in this relationship. Do you feel safe with me?"He faltered.
What do I say? Do I? I don't really feel safe about any of this. I'm always scared she'll change her mind about us, but…that's not her fault.
"I…""Because you
are." Raven said softly. "Look, I can't keep reassuring you all the time, that's not going to work. But I guess I can do it one more time. I know I'm difficult to date."His nervousness turned into indignation at that last part. "What are you
talking
about!?"She rolled her eyes again. She'd been rolling her eyes
a lot. "I am. It's like you said to me once, I'm not a well of tenderness, right? But I'm trying to let you know right now. I'm invested. This is the closest I've ever been to being…happy. You're safe with me."Garfield's eyes welled up. "Rae…that…"The sorcerer realized he was about to make some teary emotional speech about how much that meant to him, so she cleared her throat and picked up her teddy bear again. "Don't get all sentimental on me now. C'mon, you're getting me cotton candy."He smiled dreamily, following after her while happily humming the melody to
Stutter.
I love her. I love her so much. I'll never stop loving her.Once they were back in Raven's room, she activated her crystal and Garfield pulled her closer by his jacket. She spoke the words she'd promised in shaky whispers in between kisses and it was a bit of a struggle for her because she wasn't used to expressing this openly. He hadn't expected her to go through with it and it swelled his heart with love and bliss. Hearing those words from her in this context was everything he could have possibly wanted and even better than he'd imagined. In her own way, she was basically telling him she loved him. His chest burned with passion and he sweetly kissed down her neck. And yet there was an annoying twinge of fear. Fear of losing this bliss. He was so happy that the thought of losing her was a hundred times scarier than the thought of never having her ever was.Raven teased the tips of his ears with her fingers, sending shivers down his spine. Then she tangled her fingers in his hair and leaned his head back slightly. He smiled at her, fully aware she was reclaiming power. Whenever she demanded control, she had it. He didn't fight her. He couldn't and he didn't really want to. When Raven was being dominant, she was so entirely focused on
him,
as if there was no one else in the world, and he got her undivided attention. Not to mention he found this version of her really sexy."Ready to do something for
me
now?" The empath asked in a low, sensual voice."Always." Garfield said truthfully, feeling absolutely eager to please.She could tell by the look in his eyes she had him in the palm of her hand and it turned her on immensely. They really knew what to do and were very familiar with how to give each other pleasure by now, so they were more efficient than ever. Raven's eyes glistened and darkened while he dutifully got between her legs to fulfill her every desire. And then he kissed and sucked and licked on her until she climaxed. Raven pulled him close and for the rest of the night, they reduced each other to a stammering, shaky, sweaty mess.The next day, the Changeling woke up alone. He frowned and quickly sniffed his girlfriend, following her scent into the ops room. It was very early in the morning and she was the only one there, floating in a Lotus stance in all her grace, quietly chanting her mantra. She lowered herself to the ground when she sensed him."Morning.""Morning, babe." Garfield said cheekily.Raven grimaced and he chuckled light-heartedly."Garfield, I've told you. I may have changed my destiny but I'm still me. I'm not a babe, a sweetie, a honey or anything that resembles any of that." She said pointedly.He bit his lip, suddenly regretting joking about this so much. If she wanted him to call her by her name, he should just do that.
I'm getting greedy. I'll lose her if I get greedy.
"I'm sorry Rae, I didn't mean to offend you.""It's not offensive, there's nothing wrong with any of that. It's just not…me.""I know, I'm sorry. I'll stop."Raven studied his face for a moment. "You still want to use silly names though, don't you?""I don't have to.""But you want to. You
really
want to.""What I want is
you." Garfield said sincerely.She narrowed her eyes at him. He meant that, but she could tell he still wanted the full relationship package really badly. Unlike her, he was a romantic. "Well, I have been thinking about it. The names, I mean."His eyebrows shot up. "Oh?""I feel like Dick's suggestion is the least cringe-worthy. I mean, if this really is important to you. I still find it unnecessary and kind of lame, but-""Raven." The Changeling cut her off in a low and serious voice."Garfield." She playfully mimicked his tone.The shapeshifter had to fight back a chuckle. "Rae, do you
remember
what Dick's suggestion was?"
Because I certainly do.The empath just shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure. It was
love,
right?"Garfield's eyes widened and his heart jumped. "You want to use
love?""Well, a more accurate way to put it is if I
have
to choose one of these ridiculous nicknames then I guess I'd be
okay
with using love." She explained plainly.She's okay with it. Does that mean she loves me? She must love me; she's giving me so many signs. What should I do? Should I ask her? No wait, that's pushy. Just play it cool.
"O-okay."Raven confidently walked up to him and gently placed her hand under his chin with her thumb and index finger along his jawline. "Now where's that stupid, gigantic grin I like so much?"Garfield felt like he could melt like butter. He gave her that exact blissful expression while hearing his heart pounding in his ears."There it is." Raven smiled before leaning in to give him a quick peck on the lips and then casually walking to the kitchen to make her tea.The Changeling thought he might explode with happiness and excitement, but fortunately for him that's not humanly possible, so he widened his grin even more and allowed his warm, pampered heart to soar, flutter and dare deliciously. When he called her
love
at breakfast and she didn't even flinch, he shot the others a warning stare that begged them to not make a fuss about it. They caught it and suppressed their reactions. Raven was grateful for it. She could sense how excited they were, obviously, but at least no one was talking about it. She had done enough sentimental talk last night.Not everything was perfect, though. A few days later, Raven realized they had been together for about two months and the honeymoon phase wasn't wearing down. She desperately needed more space and talking about it was long overdue. As much as she adored him, she was definitely overwhelmed and if she was being completely honest, a little annoyed. If she went out to her café or the magic shop, he texted her asking where she was. He still found his way to her room every single night and it no longer felt like a sanctuary because he didn't even knock anymore. She had been getting up earlier to meditate because not only did she need to meditate more often now that kissing and sweet-talking were part of her daily routine, it was also one of her few moments of solitude since he usually slept in – but she was getting tired."Kory, I need you. Can we go out today?" Raven asked her alien best friend at breakfast. Maybe girl talk could help her figure out how to address the issue with Garfield.Starfire happily opened her mouth to accept, but someone else spoke first."Can I come?" The shapeshifter asked eagerly."No, Garfield, you can't participate in
girl talk." Raven said tiredly.The Tamaranean nodded. "That is simply not how it works."Girl talk? Why do they need girl talk!? Does she want to talk about me? This is a bad sign. "When will you be back?"Richard frowned, trying to warn his green friend with his eyes that this wasn't a good idea."I have no idea. This will probably take the whole day, actually, so you're free to do your own thing." Raven said before sipping her tea."But I was hoping we could spend some time together today…" Garfield practically whined.The empath sighed. "We spend time together
all
the time." She sounded a little too emphatic. She really did need to talk to Starfire. "I'd like to spend time with Kory today."Richard's warning stare intensified, but sadly, Garfield wasn't looking at him. Cyborg and Damian came in and immediately picked up on the awkward vibes."Looks like there's trouble in paradise." Damian whispered to Victor before they approached the others."But the
whole
day!?" The Changeling grunted exasperatedly. "Will you at least miss me?""I'd like to, but you won't let me." Raven muttered under her breath before she could think.Garfield frowned. "Huh?"Well, it's too late to take it back. "We need to spend time apart so that I can miss you, Gar. So just…do your thing. Let me miss you. It will be good for us."He suddenly felt a little desperate. "Wait that sounds like an excuse to get away from me. Did I do something wrong?""No." The empath said pointedly while rubbing her temples.Starfire decided to help. "Maybe she just misses
me
and-""Then why do you want to spend a
whole
day away from me? What do you even need to talk about with Kor that will take
that
long?"Raven huffed tiredly. "This,
Garfield." She gestured towards him. "I need to talk to her about
this.
You're
smothering
me, okay?"The shapeshifter inhaled and held his breath. He stared at her with wide, fearful eyes.
Shit.This time Raven didn't back down. "I thought it would get better but it didn't, it should have gotten better by now. You said you wouldn't do this. You've been really…clingy. I haven't even slept alone in two months." At this point she sensed how hurt he was and softened her voice and expression. To be fair, wanting to be around the person all the time was probably normal for the second month of a relationship. But…she wasn't normal. "It's just; I thought you knew who I am. I need my space and you're not respecting that. And every time I try to bring it up you look at me like
that. It's not fair."Everyone else had silently and slowly stepped away from the kitchen counter and awkwardly headed over to the couch, where they were now pretending to watch TV – but they were still trying to listen, obviously."I-I…" The shapeshifter fought back tears.
Say something, Garfield. Say something before she ends it. "I'm sorry."Raven sighed regretfully and softened her voice even more to the point it was practically sweet. "You don't need to feel like that; I'm not trying to break up with you, love."Garfield's tight heart was suddenly released from the invisible oppressive grip around it and he felt like he could breathe again. The fact that she called him love really helped. He swallowed the tears that had been threatening to fall, but a single treacherous one escaped and rolled down his cheek. Raven wiped it with her thumb. He looked up at her in surprise and she was watching him with a concerned look on her face.No matter how much Raven needed to say all this to him, she still couldn't help feeling awful when she sensed his heartache. At least the dreadful fear was gone. "I didn't mean to say it like that. That's why I wanted to talk to Kor." She whispered. "I'm sorry. I wish I'd found a better way to say it. I hate hurting you."Her sweetness was warming his heart and he realized the content of what she was saying really wasn't surprising at all. There was a part of him that had hoped once they were together Raven would find out she didn't need that much space and was actually much more romantic than she thought. But it wasn't fair to hold her to his delusional expectations when she had been honest with him from the start. In fact, she was exactly who he fell in love with. And she wanted to be with him, she just needed a little more space than he did because they were really different people.Raven could sense he was feeling a little better. "Are you okay? Or are you deciding to break up with
me
now?" She frowned slightly. It was supposed to be a joke, but she would be lying if she said she wasn't a little worried. He could just decide her terms weren't acceptable to him.Garfield chuckled and gasped at the same time. "As if! I'll
never
break up with you."The empath rolled her eyes. "You don't know that.""I do.""You don't. You can't know that. No one can.""Well, I do." The Changeling said firmly. "I mean, I just can't
believe
you're mine. That's why I act all crazy, you know?"Raven's face contorted into an uncomfortable frown. "Ah…that's actually another thing. This possessive bit…the
you're mine
and the
she belongs to me
whenever someone even
looks
at me. I'm not entertained by it."Garfield gasped. "But we say stuff like that
all
the time! You say it too! Yesterday you said I'm-""Only when we're…intimate." Raven whispered pointedly. "We talked about this, there's stuff we only say in the bedr-" She stopped midsentence when she sensed their other friends' emotions going wildly out of control from interest to discomfort. She cleared her throat and turned to the couch. "I thought you were watching TV over there.""Oh we are, please continue with the explanation of the dirty talk! We are not doing the listening!" Starfire shouted sweetly before Richard elbowed her lightly and she giggled.Garfield's face became a very reddish shade of green.Raven sighed. "Maybe we should talk somewhere else.""No need." Nightwing stood up. "C'mon, everyone. It's practice time anyway."The others grunted and sighed and complained, but got up all the same.Dick addressed the pair by the counter. "You two can come after uh…when you finish…""Yes honey, they understand." Starfire pulled him by the hand towards the training room.Raven looked at Garfield again and cleared her throat. "Gar, it's okay to play around when we're intimate and it's all fun, but that doesn't mean I'm okay with it out of that context."He nodded slowly. "Right. So…no more saying you're mine?""I know you think it's romantic, but…I've lived my entire life under Trigon's influence and now I just really only want to belong to myself. Is that okay?"The Changeling frowned apologetically and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, obviously. I should have known that. Duh. I…I don't mean it like
that,
you know…""Oh, I know." She said quickly. "But if we're being honest, you can get a little…""Territorial. I know." Garfield bit his lip. "I'll work on it."Raven smiled softly. "Thank you.""Maybe you
should
go out with Kor today. And I guess I could sleep in my room tonight."Her smile widened and she leaned in to give him a peck on the cheek. "Thank you, love."Raven headed towards the training room and he smiled dreamily before following after her.
Okay, maybe keeping some distance will make her like me more.

Death Wish Love (Benson Boone)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Garfield's birthday
and
Valentine's Day were both coming up and Raven was feeling a little overwhelmed and if she was being honest, a little lost."Vic?""Yeah, Rae?" Cyborg grinned at her from where he was working on the T-Car.The empath hesitantly approached him. "So…Gar's birthday."Victor nodded. "Let me guess. You don't know what to get him.""No, that's not it. I'll conjure something he wants. I'm just not sure if…should I, like…do
something? I mean, other than the party we always throw. Should I do something more? Is that a thing?"Victor was amused, because she looked more and more confused as she went on. "Aww you wanna do something special?"Raven became stoic again. "Can we not be ridiculous about this? I just need to know…what are the expectations regarding
me
in this scenario? You know, as his…"Cyborg chuckled. "As his
girlfriend,
Rae?""Yes, that.""You know, I'm nearly as surprised as you about that. When he first told me about his crush, I made so much fun of him for it." The half-robot admitted."Oh, I know.""He told you?"Raven smirked. "That you called me Satan's daughter? Yes."Cyborg smiled apologetically. "Sorry.""It's okay." She shrugged. "Anyway, you didn't answer my question.""Raven, I'm the last person who should give relationship advice. If I'd listened to the one you gave me last year, I'd be happy now, but I…maybe you should ask Kory.""I did. But I want to know what
you
think. You're his best friend. He
loves
birthdays; he makes such a big deal out of them. What does he expect from
me?"Cyborg chuckled again. "Raven, he's crazy about you. Nothing you do or fail to do will change how he feels, you don't need to worry. You don't need to do anything.""I know that. I know I don't
need
to. But…should I? I mean, I don't want to be a
bad
girlfriend." The sorcerer said pointedly. "And I don't even know how to be
a
girlfriend. I mean, I'm basically winging it. So…help me."This time his face was full of endearment.
Maybe she does love him.
"Aww Rae that is SO swe-""Goodbye." Raven stated as she floated away."No, wait! Sorry, I'll stop." Cyborg shouted, making her turn around and come back suspiciously. The half-robot grinned at her. "If you're willing, then yes, he doesn't expect anything but he would love it if you did something special. Maybe you should help me with the decorations and the cake and stuff. What did Kory say?"Raven wrinkled her nose.
She basically suggested a day of servitude. "That I should do everything he wants for the entire day, which worries me a little."Cyborg laughed openly. "That worries me too. I mean, BB would
really
love that. God knows what kind of ridiculous plans he would come up with, though."Raven thought about it for a few more days and decided she could let him have one day, as long as there were rules. So she told her boyfriend to make plans that didn't include embarrassing her and they both felt that was a pretty reasonable rule. Garfield was beyond excited at the opportunity to come up with an entire day of activities with her with nearly no restrictions, because they really didn't go on as many dates as he would like them to.She often needed to work on her magic and meditate, especially now that they were dating, and she still had her own interests. She still went to the depressive poetry place and she still practiced magic at night God knows where and she didn't ask him to tag along. He felt bad because he thought it was because she'd be embarrassed to be seen there with him, but he didn't volunteer either because he loved her deeply, but those places still kind of creeped him out. She also didn't
always
go to the arcade or the comic book shop when he asked her, which he was told was normal. But in any case, he was excited about this."Oh, I've been meaning to ask you." Raven said casually one night, as they were alone watching a movie. "Is there something that you…want? Sexually, I mean."Garfield stared at her quizzically."I'm not saying I'll do it." She said quickly. "But I'd like to know.""I have everything I want." The shapeshifter answered truthfully. "You."Raven rolled her eyes. "So you don't have
any
secret sexual fantasies or fetishes?"Garfield blushed.
Oh. That's what she means.
"Uh…I mm…no."The empath smirked. "Gar, you can't lie to me."He squeezed his eyes shut and internally cursed her powers. "Riiight.""Tell me.""No, you'll hate me."Raven was amused, mostly because she was almost certain it wasn't that bad. "Why? Is it gross? Or just kinky?"Garfield bit his lip and whispered. "Kinky…"I knew it.
"Gar, in case you haven't noticed, I don't mind that. Just tell me. Who knows? Maybe I'll do it.""You won't. Trust me." He muttered awkwardly."If it's a threesome with Terra then you're right."The shapeshifter gasped and got all flustered, blushing deeply."Ah, I see." Raven said, fully amused. "Well, that's not happening. I'd get jealous."Garfield stared at her with an incredulous frown on his face. "That's
why it's not happening?" When she just shrugged, he chuckled and tried to clear his thoughts. "No, I…I admit I've dreamed about that once or twice, but…not for a while now. Honestly, my affections are completely undivided."Raven liked that a lot. She leaned her head on the back of the couch and stared at him. "Then what is it?"The Changeling shook his head. "Let it go, love.""Why? Is it humiliating or something?" She was getting slightly concerned now.Garfield's eyes widened for a second. "No! Nothing like that. I mean, I don't think it is…but seriously, can we not talk about this? I'm not telling you.""You don't
think
it is..." Raven narrowed her eyes, gathering all the information she had so far. "It's some kink where you're dominant, isn't it?"This time his eyes widened and stayed wide.
Shit. She knows. Fuck.Raven was amused again, though still slightly concerned. "You know, now if you don't tell me the specifics, I'm just going to imagine the worst…"The Changeling closed his eyes and grunted. His entire body tensed up. "How did you know?"The empath shrugged. "I mean…there
have
been signs."Garfield grimaced.
She's going to break up with me."Why are you so nervous? Does it involve hurting me?" She asked quietly.The shapeshifter's expression shifted to absolute shock. "What!? NO! Of
course
not! It's more like, princess Leia's bikini and handcuffs and stuff." He blurted out before he could stop himself.
Fuck.
When Garfield gathered up the courage to look at her again, she didn't look mad – she looked relieved. He exhaled. "Or like, remember on Christmas when you pointed out you're not a genie? I'm not proud of it, but…"Thank Azar. None of that is that bad.
Raven smiled teasingly. "A genie, huh? So you'd give me orders and I'd fulfill your every desire, is that it?"Why does she have to word it like that? That sounds hot.
"You hate me. I know you hate it when people try to control you, and I
swear
I don't want t-""Gar, relax. I don't think you want to control me. It's just a kink. Even if we did it, it'd just be roleplaying. And you would have asked, not taken."The Changeling looked at her with surprise in his eyes – and maybe a hint of excitement."I'm not saying yes." Raven quickly clarified. "But it's not a big deal. I definitely don't hate you. It would take a lot more than that to freak me out.""Oh." He felt his entire body relax in relief and smiled cheekily at her. "You're the coolest girlfriend in the world, you know?""I've been told." Raven said playfully before going back to her book.When Garfield's birthday finally came up and he woke up alone in Raven's bed, he figured she'd gotten up early to meditate and prepare for a day of nonstop fun. He didn't love waking up alone
or
going to bed alone – he really missed her warmth – but in this case it was for a good reason. When he walked out into the ops room everyone greeted him happily with
happy birthday
cheers – except Raven, who just smiled slightly – and he sniffed something he was very keen on. Well, two things he was very keen on – her lavender scent was one of them."Is that what I think it is?" The shapeshifter asked his girlfriend through a wide grin.Raven's small smile remained unfazed. "Happy birthday."Garfield found the source of the pleasant scent coming from the plate in front of her. It was exactly what he'd thought.
She made me vegan pancakes. He beamed and started devouring them, completely forgetting about the
don't talk with your mouth full
rule. "Thank you, love."Raven frowned, but decided on not correcting his manners on his birthday. "Don't mention it."The first thing he'd decided they were doing was volunteering in an animal shelter's adoption fair. Having superheroes there always helped, especially when one of them kept shapeshifting to chat with the cats and dogs then telling people how much they wanted to go home with them. Raven was sitting on the floor with her legs crossed, covered with puppies and kittens as she watched her highly sociable boyfriend interact with both the people and the animals. His new uniform was a hit, especially with young women. The empath's face was stoic as ever, but her mind was troubled. Garfield wasn't the only one with insecurities.
How long until the fascination wears down and he's bored with me?"Is it true?"The unfamiliar voice pulled Raven out of her thoughts and she turned her head to see a group of young kids about ten years old curiously staring at her. "Oh, hello.""Hiiii, Raveeeen." A bold blond girl in the front greeted her first.Some of the kids looked slightly scared – though she looked considerably less intimidating with all the cute animals crawling over her – but not this girl."So…is it true?" The little boy beside the bold girl asked for the second time.Raven raised an eyebrow. "What is?""You know, about you and…" The blond girl said, glancing at the Changeling and giggling.Raven blinked.
I could have sworn they were asking if it's true that my father is a demon.
"Ah…that. Yes.""No way!" The little boy chuckled. "Our brother's gonna freak out. He
loves
you.""That's true." The girl laughed hysterically. "He has all these posters of you an-""What are you two doing? Did you pick a puppy yet?" A goth late-teen boy approached the kids without looking up from his phone."Hey big bro, we were
just
talking about you! Look, it's Raveen." The girl said teasingly.That got him to look up. When he realized his brother and sister weren't messing with him, his eyes widened. "Oh. Hey.""Hello." Raven said stoically.The little boy pulled on his brother's shirt. "She said it's all true about her and the Changeling, you were wrong! You said there was no way in
Hell
th-""Shut up." The teenager pushed his brother out of the way before smiling awkwardly at the empath. "I don't know what they told you, but they're pathological liars."The girl started counting her fingers. "Only about your
obsession
and your
posters
an-""I swear I'll take you both home
right now
with no puppy." He hissed dangerously.At this point all the other kids were giggling wildly."Don't do that. Don't worry, I get it. I have siblings too." Raven said politely.The goth guy gave her a small, grateful smile. "Ah, do they suck? Mine suck.""Mine are Capital Sins."His eyes sparkled and he relaxed a little and started asking her about her heritage. Raven could sense this boy was infatuated with her, but he wasn't saying anything inappropriate or making her uncomfortable, so she conversed with him. The kids became much more interested when she talked about her demonic father."So, what's it like to travel through dimensions?""Helloooo
love of my life!" Garfield suddenly came in and territorially leaned down to kiss her passionately on the lips.Raven frowned and kissed him back half-heartedly while the kids made disgusted sounds the way kids do when they watch grown-ups kissing.The Changeling straightened up and fully
glared
at the teenager. "Can I help you?""Ah…no." He answered awkwardly before quickly glancing at Raven one last time. "Thanks!"The empath offered a small smile while he pulled his brother and sister away and the rest of the kids scattered. Her boyfriend was still staring after them."What was
that?" Raven asked dryly.Garfield turned to see his girlfriend glaring at him from the floor. He opened his mouth to answer, but then he realized she was covered in puppies and kittens. Nestled on her lap and walking over her shoulders, tripping on her and falling over, biting her hair and climbing her, licking her face and nibbling her armor, napping on her cape on the floor. Two kittens were nestled on her pulled-down hood and she held another one in her arm. It was one of the cutest, most wholesome, most endearing sights he had ever witnessed and the fact that she was glaring intimidatingly at him somehow only made it cuter. Animals had always been fond of her. To him, that spoke volumes about how pure her heart was.
How can someone like that not get into Heaven?"Get that smile off your face, I'm upset with you."The Changeling only managed to smile wider. "Sorry, but it's your fault. You look really cute."Raven scoffed and turned her head away from him.Garfield squatted next to her. He didn't want anyone listening to them, especially if she was mad at him. "Why are you upset?""You were really rude." The sorcerer said pointedly.He frowned. "Oh, you mean to the guy who was totally hitting on you?"Raven rolled her eyes. "He wasn't, and even if he had been, that gives you no right. Girls flirt with you all the time and I don't do
that."The Changeling seemed a little lost. "Well, that…no, but…you know I only have eyes for you.""And I have eyes for every warlock-wannabe in Jump City, is that it?" She raised an eyebrow. "Have I given you any reason not to trust me?"Garfield bit his lip, suddenly feeling a little ashamed. "No, of course not.""If you trust me then you had no reason to be rude.""I just, I thought maybe he was bothering you."
That's a lie. I was just jealous."I can take care of myself. Also, he adopted a black cat. So, you're welcome."Garfield watched intently as she was trying to be all smug and stoic, but this one puppy that had climbed his way to her shoulder kept licking her ear and cheek, making her flinch. Also, black cats almost
never
got adopted. His involuntary huge grin came back.Raven made an annoyed sound. "Are you even
listening
to me?"He continued to smile affectionately at her. "Yes, I am. I'm sorry. You're right and I'm wrong, obviously. And I'm taking you seriously; I just can't help smiling at you right now. I love you."Raven immediately melted. Her heart burned a little at his last sentence. Lately, he would eventually say those words without expecting to hear them in return and then tell her he just couldn't help himself, but this time it seemed like he hadn't even realized he said them."Can I kiss you real quick? You look so freaking cute."She sighed. He was looking at her with so much care in his eyes it was impossible to stay mad. Besides, it
was
his birthday. "Okay, fine."Garfield kissed her sweetly and smiled against her lips. Someone took a picture this time.The empath pulled away and cleared her throat. "Well, that will be all over the internet now and no villains will ever be afraid of me again."The Changeling chuckled. "Sorry, dating me is ruining your reputation."Raven shrugged. "Oh, well."They helped out for a few more hours and she kept holding onto that one kitten that was sleeping in her arm. He was all black and so, so small. And he was purring happily."Ready for our day to continue?" Garfield beamed at her."Sure. But can we go home first?""Actually, we'll have to, because we need to change.""Oh. Okay, good. Because I'm taking Salem with me." Raven said plainly, holding up the black kitten for him to see.Garfield's grin grew huge. "We're getting a pet!?""I'm
getting a pet. But you can play with him." She signed the adoption papers and held her kitten to her chest as she teleported them back to the tower."Oh that's so cool!""Can I hold him?""He's so cute!""He can be friends with Silkie!"Everyone was extremely excited meeting Raven's new pet, but Salem himself was obviously overwhelmed, because he just snuggled closer to her chest and hid his face."He's so sweet." Garfield came closer and tenderly caressed the kitten's chin, making him purr. Then he shapeshifted into a kitten himself and conversed with Salem, who seemed considerably less frightened. The Changeling turned human again and grinned at his girlfriend. "He loves his name! And he loves
you."The empath smiled. "Thank you. So, Star, could you take care of him until we're back? Don't let Silkie eat him and everything.""Of
course
I can!" Kory smiled and picked up the tiny animal, holding him up in the air and heading to her room. "Come here you delightful, adorable creature of the night!"Raven chuckled softly and looked at Garfield. "What's next?"The shapeshifter theatrically cleared his throat. "The beach!"She smiled a little.
I could swim.
"Okay, I'll go change."After a delicious lunch at a restaurant by the shore – which Raven
insisted
on paying for, Garfield massaged her back while smearing her with sunscreen, which got a few quiet moans and satisfied sighs out of her. He wrapped it up before her sounds drove him insane and they headed to the water. The Changeling turned into a fish and Raven made a force-field to dive with him. This time they went deeper and deeper to explore the surprisingly colorful depths of the ocean. Garfield loved the way her eyes widened and sparkled with interest at the sights. When they rose to the surface, he turned into a dolphin and swam with her to high seas again."You look so happy." The shapeshifter pointed out in absolute joy."I like how peaceful it is here." She said softly.Garfield smiled boldly as a dangerous idea occurred to him. "It's not
that
peaceful."And then he blissfully splashed water on her. Raven definitely wasn't expecting that and she choked on it and coughed a few times. Garfield held his breath regretfully while she glared at him in shock for a moment, but then a mischievous smile spread across her face."How
dare
you?" She whispered playfully before using her powers to revolve the water around him, making him turn upside down.The Changeling reemerged coughing sea water and looking around confused and disoriented. He quickly found her when he heard her carefree, soft laughter. She was having so much fun and it was music to his ears. He couldn't stop smiling at her."You're making me really happy today." The shapeshifter stated. "I mean, you make me really happy every day, but today is…like,
beyond.""Good." The empath whispered sincerely."Last time we were here you told me I was kind of cute." Garfield gave her his best flirtatious, bold smile. "Do you still think that?"Raven couldn't fight back a small smile of her own. She looked at him. His fangs were glistening in the sunlight, his green skin was sparkling with water droplets, his hair was wet and messy with his elvish pointy ears sticking out, and his eyes were bright. She dove and swam for a few seconds, just like she did last time, but this time she had a different plan.Garfield watched intently, feeling his heart race wildly as his girlfriend slowly emerged from the water right in front of him like a freaking mermaid. Her deep violet eyes were out first and stared at him sensually before the rest of her face emerged. He gulped.Raven wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're
very
cute."The Changeling's heart ached deliciously. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a passionate kiss. He held her and massaged her body underwater while they moved their legs in sync. Raven lazily brought her hands to his hair while she kissed him. When the sea suddenly started agitating with dark energy, she pulled away, breathing heavily."You're my everything." The shapeshifter told her passionately.Raven frowned and bit her lip."What's wrong? You know I don't expect you t-""It's not that. It's just…I don't want to be your
everything." She said quietly. "I mean, you have so much in life other than me. The Titans and all our friends, your powers and connection to animals, your values and dreams...""Right, but you're a huge part of all of that, and all of that would feel empty without you now."Raven's frown deepened. "Please don't say that."Garfield frowned too. "What did I do? I'm sorry; I didn't mean to upset you.""It's just…" Her voice was whispery and alarmed. "…being responsible for
all
your happiness? I…that's
huge, Gar. It's a lot of pressure."I'm overwhelming her. "You're right, I'm sorry. You know me, I'm just being dramatic.""You don't need to apologize so much. I'm just saying…I mean, what if I die? I'd want you to be okay."His eyes widened and filled with fear. "Don't even joke about that.""I'm not." Raven sighed. "But I shouldn't have said that. I'm not dying anytime soon." She quickly added when she remembered it was his birthday. "I can do
anything,
right?"Garfield's carefree grin returned. "Yes, you can. My almighty, all-powerful girlfriend."The empath blushed deeply and rolled her eyes. "So, where to now?""Paint date!" The Changeling announced excitedly.Raven frowned; confused about why he thought she would know what that meant. "Okay…"Once they were out of the water he told her to teleport them to the park and when she did, Raven spotted a reserved area with a huge blanket on the grass and two easels with canvases on them. Several paints and paint brushes were scattered all over the blanket."Oh, paint date. I see." Raven said calmly, walking over to the secluded area. "You should have told
me
to set this up. It's
your
birthday."Garfield grinned widely. "I'm just glad you're here with me."They sat on the blanket, still in their bathing suits, and he admired her wet hair dripping over her shoulders, as well as her exposed, shapely legs."So how does this work?" Raven asked blankly."Well, we get creative and express ourselves! Nature is supposed to inspire, but…now I think I'm painting
you…" The Changeling smiled coyly. "…if that's okay."She looked at him with that undecipherable expression. "I can't paint, you know?""Anyone can paint. It doesn't have to be a work of art; it's supposed to be fun." He said reassuringly.Raven skeptically raised an eyebrow. "So you're
not
judging mine, then."The Changeling scowled. "Of course I'm not
judging,
that's absurd!"She just shrugged and picked up a paint brush. Garfield smiled and did the same. They spent a while in comfortable silence – except for when the shapeshifter became uneasy with all the quiet and began casually singing
Stutter. He kept glancing over at Raven and then back at his canvas. If he was singing, she stole glances at him too, and then he took the opportunity to wink at her and either make her blush or chuckle softly and roll her eyes."I'm done!" The Changeling said happily, hiding his canvas from her sight to make a revelation."Me too." The empath said calmly.He looked at her work and his eyes widened in horror. It was dark and twisted. Black and red filled the canvas with undefined, disfigured images that he couldn't quite name, but made his stomach turn anyway. It seemed to refer to something hopeless, painful and distressful, though she'd seemed completely unbothered while painting it."You said you wouldn't judge."Garfield looked at his girlfriend's face to see her practically glaring at him. "I'm not! Seriously, it…I mean, it's good. It's just…""It scares you."Her voice was calm as ever but he detected a hint of sadness behind it.
You made her feel bad. Fix it.
"No." He said surely. "I promise. It's just really good and it gives me chills, but that's a good thing. Art makes you feel stuff. I'm just…worried."Raven's expression softened significantly. "Don't be. I've lived with my darkness my whole life. It's helped me many times. It's part of me."Garfield smiled. "I didn't mean to…I love your darkness. It's just that…well, your light is missing." He pointed at her canvas and chuckled slightly. He was still a little worried.The empath poorly fought back a smile. "My light has been getting a lot of attention lately. It's my darkness that needs expressing right now."His smile grew wider. "Is that your way of saying you're happy?""Maybe." Raven stated and then examined her painting. "Anyway, I like it. There's a weird beauty to horror and despair and I'm quite fond of this." She smirked.
Maybe when I want to sleep alone I'll just hang this in my room."You're right. It
is
beautiful, in a traumatizing kinda way." Garfield chuckled.She chuckled along with him, though much more softly. "Show me yours.""Okay but you should know this one is
mine. You can't have it; I'm keeping it."A soft, shocked gasp escaped her lips when he turned his canvas. It was her. It was her as she was in the moment, in her bathing suit under soft sunlight, still slightly wet, looking focused and peaceful at the same time while she painted on a canvas and surrounded by nature. There was a glow around her. She looked all luminous and ethereal. And there was a tiny Monalisa smile on her lips. Raven took a few seconds to recover."I love it when you blush."The empath turned her head to see her boyfriend smiling affectionately at her. She
did
feel her cheeks warm up. "Well, it's a flattering painting."Garfield huffed. "It doesn't do you justice." Then he grinned charmingly. "But I'll get there. Perfection takes practice."She fought back a huge grin and her lips contorted comically in doing so. He thought it was the most adorable thing he had ever seen."Let's do another one before the sun sets." The shapeshifter suggested.He got another canvas and he didn't quite know how to paint his chaotic, overwhelming feelings at the moment, so he frowned and focused for a bit before deciding to just splash paint on it. He enjoyed that feeling. Raven had been focused on her own thing but she raised an eyebrow at him when he kept hastily splashing different colors on the canvas."You should try this, it's so much fun!" Garfield laughed hysterically."I don't think so, that looks messy."Eventually he got a little too excited and threw black paint too harshly, so it splashed on her. Raven inhaled sharply and glared at him, with black spots on her left cheek. Garfield remorsefully bit his lip, but the paint made her way less intimidating and he couldn't help the strangled laughter that escaped his lips. He analyzed her expression and decided she wasn't mad and it was safe to tease her. He prayed that he wasn't wrong."Now
you
look messy." The Changeling chuckled and splashed red paint on her on purpose. It stuck to her still wet hair and neck.Now
Raven was absolutely outraged. She used her powers to lift all the brushes she had been using and splash every color on him at the same time, making him look like a multicolored Dalmatian. The Changeling gasped loudly.She just smirked. "Who looks messy
now?"His features were slowly taken by a wicked and excited grin. "Oh you're gonna
pay
for that."Garfield picked up the brush from the green paint and in a swift move he pulled her by her legs making her lose balance then tackled her, making her yelp. He attempted to paint her face but she kept blocking him with her hands. She wasn't using her powers though – maybe because the uncontrollable giggling made it difficult to concentrate or maybe simply because it was his birthday and she decided to let him have this – and in fact, she was obviously trying to keep them under control. Her giggles only encouraged him. The shapeshifter gave her arm a huge brush stroke and her eyes widened."I'm gonna paint your whole face green." The Changeling teased, grinning enormously while he moved her hands out of the way. He was having so much fun his cheeks started hurting from smiling so much."N-no!" Raven chuckled and struggled half-heartedly to keep the brush away from her. Her efforts to stop him were weak, because the truth was her heart wasn't in it. As much as she didn't want paint on her face, it was difficult to struggle when he was this happy. "Stop it!"
This is so stupid. He's such a dork. Why do I love it?He gave her chest a nice stroke, and then her shoulder. Garfield's cheeks were aching by now but he only smiled wider because she was a colorful mess with her wet hair and the red and black spots and green strokes of paint. Not to mention she was flushed from all the giggling and struggling. She was being so free and playful it made him love her ten times more. More than that, it made him want to protect her and keep her happy forever. He managed to lower his body on top of hers with his elbows on each side of her head so that her half-hearted efforts to push him were no longer effective and he held the brush inches away from her face, smiling mischievously.Raven gave up struggling and eyed the brush with fearful eyes. "You're not really going to do that, are you?""Beg for mercy." Garfield whispered provocatively.She gave him a smug, daring smile. "Never."He already knew she would say that. Garfield gave her right cheek a brush stroke and fought back laughter at her outraged reaction. He knew she had collected herself enough to safely use her powers by now, but she didn't. He gave her other cheek a quick stroke."You're going to pay for this." Raven said warningly, but there was no real menace in her voice
or
her face.Garfield chuckled and gave her forehead a stroke and then quickly brushed her nose. Raven let out a cute gasp and he couldn't contain it any longer. His heart was aching with passion. The sunset was giving her that golden glow and it made her irresistible to him."I swear you're gonna be the death of me." He said happily before letting go of the brush to lean down and kiss her sweetly and deeply.Raven returned the kiss just as deeply and her hands found their way to his back, pulling him closer. After a few seconds, Garfield pulled away to stare at her."What?""I'm just admiring you." The Changeling said sincerely. "And memorizing."Raven sighed. "I look ridiculous, don't I?"He smiled endearingly. That
was
one word for it. Now on top of everything she had green paint all over her face. "You're the
cutest
thing I've ever laid eyes on."She chuckled softly and his face became more serious. When he leaned down to kiss her again, it felt different. It was urgent and desperate, as if he wanted to consume as much of her as he could as fast as he could. Raven kissed him back passionately, but this time it was too intense. All the paints exploded and thankfully the previous canvases had been put aside, because everything around them became a gooey, colorful disaster. She had been extremely proud of controlling her powers so far, but sadly all that work was gone in a second. Raven regretfully squeezed her eyes shut as her boyfriend just laughed hysterically. Now they were both sticky and ridiculous, and he was worse than her now because he'd covered her body with his."Sorry.""Don't be." He gave her another quick, sweet kiss on the lips and chuckled. "You win, love."She smiled fondly at him for a second, but then frowned at his state. "Gar, your hair…""I love you, Raven." Garfield blurted out truthfully, caressing her cheek and mixing colors in it with his thumb.The empath swallowed and looked into his eyes. "I…me too."His heart skipped a beat. "Wait, you too!? You too
what!?""I mean, I think maybe…I'm not sure what that even means in my case, but…whatever
that
is, I think I do." Raven explained breezily.The shapeshifter stared at her wide-eyed. "You think you
love
me? Is that what you just said?"Raven rolled her eyes. "Can we not pretend we didn't know about this?"For once in his life, Garfield Logan was speechless.
She did just let me smudge her with paint. Flawless Raven let me do that. How obvious does she have to be? Am I that clueless?The sun had set at this point, so Raven gently pushed her speechless boyfriend off of her and sat up. "Let's go back. We need to shower before your party."When Garfield finally came into the ops room for his official birthday party, he grinned excitedly at how big it was. Many of their new allies and friends were there. The decoration was all jungle and animals and there were party games everywhere. The cake was huge and the snacks were delicious – all vegan, of course. He was so happy it took him a few seconds to get over his childish bliss running from one place to another and hugging everyone to realize what Raven was wearing. She had a dark-green strappy shirt, ripped jeans and combat boots on. He would have found her beautiful anyway, but the fact that she was wearing green really made his heart soar. It was subtle and it was a small detail, but he knew it wasn't a coincidence because he had
never
seen her in anything green before. And it was such a
nice
and
welcome
small detail.Maybe I'm insane and it IS just a coincidence. It's not like I own the color green. And she's not wearing it just to make a statement that she's my girlfriend or something. The Changeling cleared his throat and walked up to her. She had been talking to Starfire while he greeted everyone. "Hey, love."Raven smiled slightly at him. "Hi. Do you like your party?""Best. Party. Ever." The shapeshifter grinned gigantically.She seemed pleased. Then she noticed something and chuckled softly."What?" Garfield asked innocently."You have a bit of paint left…here." Raven rubbed the tip of his pointy ear to remove it, making him shiver indecently and nearly moan. She chuckled again.Garfield blushed and smiled coyly. "Ah, thanks…I uh…I like your shirt."
Smooth, Garfield. Very smooth.Raven smiled tenderly. She hadn't been sure he would notice such a subtle gesture. It was nice to know he did. "I thought, maybe…green, you know? Because…"His smile widened considerably.
It IS a statement. "Because of
me!?"She frowned slightly. "Okay it's not that big of a deal, relax."Garfield
tried
to relax. He really did. But it was hard. "Right. No big deal."Raven could sense he did think it was a big deal and she second guessed her plans for later for a second, but then she decided to go through with them. It
was
his birthday. She could lower his expectations on any other day. "So, are you enjoying your day so far?"He stared at her in awe. The whole day flashed through his mind and he felt emotional. "Rae." His voice got whispery. "Today was perfect. This is the best birthday I've ever had. Thankou."She gave him a small, genuine smile. "I'm glad." And then said smile became mysterious and suggestive for some reason. "It's not over yet. I'm giving you your present later.""There's
more!?" Garfield grinned excitedly and his eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it?""It's a surprise." She said plainly."Oh no
please
tell me! You
have
to tell me, it's my birthday!""I do not. Now go enjoy your party and meet me in your room later." Her eyes glistened mischievously.Garfield got goosebumps because she'd used her commanding voice and he took a few seconds to understand
what
she said. His eyes widened. "My
room!? Why
my
room?"Raven shrugged. "It's your birthday."Are we having sex in my room?
He lowered his voice to a whisper. "Are we having sex in my room?"The sorcerer chuckled quietly. "Something like that."Raven in my room. Raven naked in my room. Raven naked on my bed.
Garfield smiled idiotically at his own thoughts. "You spoil me.""I do no such thing. I'm simply temporarily pampering you because it is your birthday. Make no mistake." The empath said pointedly.That gave him butterflies. The fact that she just said she was purposely pampering him made him feel amazing. Garfield grinned innocently. "Gotcha!"He forced himself to stop obsessing over whatever would go on later with Raven and enjoyed his party. He refrained from drinking – even though now he could do it legally – because he didn't want to get drunk and ruin whatever deliciously filthy surprise she had planned. Instead, he merrily chatted with everyone – even Conner, who said he wouldn't hit on Raven out of respect for his birthday – and played every party game there was. He also tried all the food and occasionally found his girlfriend to steal a kiss. She politely dodged his arms around her a few times, she didn't let him feed her anything and she avoided long kisses, but that was all normal for her. Still, she returned his needy, quick pecks every single time.Salem was done napping and he came into the party with Silkie, so everyone got to meet him. At some point, Starfire squealed because of something she saw on her phone – it was a picture of Raven covered in puppies and kittens with a happy Garfield crouched next to her while they kissed. Obviously everyone else made sure to see it too and Raven had to find a quiet corner to escape the
awwws
and provocations about how they
always knew deep down she was a softy. She made a mental note to figure out how to restore her reputation later. Garfield enjoyed the attention a whole lot more and tried to get people to leave her alone. Then he opened all his gifts – except for Raven's – and celebrated every single one.The Changeling had been sleeping in his room more often now that they didn't spend
every
night together, but
she
had never slept there. He liked his room, but it felt lonely now because it meant sleeping alone, which he hated. She appreciated the solitude though, so he wasn't complaining. They alternated fairly. But the point is they'd always go to
her
room to make out, to do it or to cuddle – usually all three – so he was excited about this. But nothing could have prepared him for what he saw when he finally walked into his room after everyone had left. Raven was standing there, with her hands on her hips and a perky smile on her face, looking
unbelievably
sexy in a dark-blue and lilac genie outfit."Hi, master." She whispered playfully. Raven had been dreading this part, unsure of how she would feel about it, but it was so corny it was impossible to take it seriously, so it didn't really bother her that much. The hardest part was actually trying not to break character and laugh.Garfield on the other hand was frozen in place while his brain tried to understand what he was looking at. His jaw was on the floor and his pupils were already dilated.
Holy shit she's actually doing this. This is happening. He tried to speak, but only incoherent stammering came out, so he cleared his throat and inhaled deeply while staring at her now extremely amused face. "Excuse me for just a second, please."He stepped outside and Raven waited patiently as she heard his celebratory sounds through the door. When he started giving himself a pep talk she couldn't hold back a light chuckle. Maybe she would enjoy this too. She enjoyed watching him enjoy things.Garfield came back inside calmer and collected and quickly realized from the look on her face she'd probably heard him through the door. He smiled coyly. "Sorry. I wasn't expecting this.""That is quite all right." She had the perky cliché little smile on again.He also noticed her crystal was on his bedside table, which probably meant she expected to have sex by the end of this. His eyes sparkled and he walked up to her, looking her up and down and practically eating her alive with his eyes. "So…how does this work?" The shapeshifter grinned flirtatiously. "Do I get three wishes?""You get as many wishes as you want for the night, master."Garfield's insides twirled with anticipation. Every time she called him that, it made him horny on dangerous levels. He took a deep breath to chill – because he wanted to take his time with this – and narrowed his eyes at her. "As many as I want? And you'll grant them?"The shapeshifter realized how unlikely that sounded.
It's just make-believe, right? She's not ACTUALLY offering this.Raven felt a twinge of worry. "I would greatly appreciate restraint. But yes."He studied her face to try and figure out if she was serious. "Can you make me a cheeseburger? I wish for a cheeseburger!"The empath broke character for a moment to stare at him quizzically, because he'd had a whole bunch of snacks and cake at that party. "Didn't you
just
eat?"Garfield chuckled and shrugged. "I could have a cheeseburger."Raven shook her head in disbelief before straightening up and getting in character again. "Yes, I can. I can do anything you want. Vegan, right?""Yes, please." He nodded excitedly.She stretched out one hand and tilted her head. A silver platter with a vegan burger appeared out of thin air. Garfield was really enjoying this whole bit. The way she was moving and acting was really adding to it. He made an awed sound and picked up the burger to take a bite, then he hummed in surprise and satisfaction, because it tasted really good. The silver platter disappeared and Raven's hand was back on her hip.The Changeling proceeded with devouring his burger. "Can you fix animal cruelty?"Raven's smile faltered. "Okay, I can do
almost
anything you want. I can't interfere with other people's free will, no matter how much I would love to."Garfield smiled at her. He already knew that. "So then you can't make me supreme ruler of the world either?"The sorcerer struggled not to laugh. "I cannot.""But you can make me better at fighting than Nightwing?" He was starting to wrap his brain around the possibilities involved in this opportunity."I can…" Raven searched her brain for a way around this. "…for twenty-four hours."His eyes widened and sparkled. "Oh, cool! That, I wish for
that."Raven realized she would be spending a whole lot of magic tonight. She made a hand motion and Garfield felt a weird energy rush through him."Done." The empath said cheerfully.His grin was gigantic. "Can you make me rich?"In reality, he didn't need her for that. He just needed to deal with his trauma so he could spend his inheritance. But she didn't know that."I can, but technically that would be a crime." Raven said worriedly. She never materialized money for a reason.Garfield chuckled. "Okay, forget about that then. I don't want to turn you into a criminal on a whim."She smiled gratefully, gradually feeling more at ease with this whole thing."Oh! Can you make me those sneakers we saw at the mall the other day!? I wish for those!""Yes, I certainly can." Raven tilted her head and an exact replica appeared on the floor.His voice got high-pitched. "You're
so
awesome! Can you make a pinball machine!?""Of course I can."
I hope I don't need to use powers tomorrow. Nightwing is going to kill me."I wish for a pinball machine in my room!"Raven focused and conjured it on the only empty corner his room had left. Garfield turned around and gasped happily but he didn't run towards it – his eyes came right back to her. She looked slightly tired now and he figured it was time to stop wishing for stuff."Hey, genie?" The shapeshifter said casually."Yes, master?"Fuck. Such a turn on.
Garfield swallowed and concentrated. "What's the policy regarding relationships between genies and masters?"Raven's smile gained a hint of mischief and her voice became seductive. "Would you like me to please you sexually?"He had to fight back the urge to jump on her. "Only if you want to.""I do. Very much."His smile grew wide and greedy, and then he remembered something. "Oh! Hold that thought!" Garfield rushed to the toilet and brushed his teeth, making sure his breath was fresher than ever. He had just eaten a burger and she was being all cute and sexy. It was the least he could do. When he came back, she was smiling flirtatiously at him. "So um, we'll need to turn your powers off for this, right?""I'll do it when you tell me to. And I'll still answer to you. I'm yours all night." Raven said sensually. The truth was this was starting to turn her on as well.Garfield's eyes widened at her words. His heart was pounding and his mind was blurry again. "So…when we're…you'll still…""That's right."The Changeling smiled cheekily.
She's really committing to this. Holy shit.
"Wait, does that mean you're gonna do what I tell you?"Her stare became openly naughty and her voice whispery. "Of course. Your wish is my command." She could sense how turned on he was and if she was being completely honest, the idea of letting him be in charge for a whole night for once was exciting. She had fully enjoyed his more dominating moments so far. And she did trust him.Garfield's eyes were full of lust and desire and his breathing was unsteady. He was so excited he could barely contain it. But Raven was giving him control – as in, she was willingly giving him total control. He didn't want to waste it by being too eager. Who knew when it would happen again? If it ever did."Go lie on my bed." He said in a low and commanding voice.She liked that voice. It gave her chills. "Top or bottom?""Top."
Let's avoid head injuries here.Raven's own heart was racing with the way he was looking at her and the level of lust that was pouring out of him. She lay down on his bed and he climbed on top of her and kissed her exposed stomach, making her moan. Then he moved up to kiss her chest and Raven ran her hands up his arms. Garfield pulled away and stared at her with hungry, dark eyes."How would you feel…" He said softly as he took her wrists in his hands and brought them together above her head, touching the headboard. "…about cuffing your hands there?"Raven exhaled heavily. It gave her goosebumps – she just wasn't sure if they were good or bad yet. She noticed his eyes were lustful, but kind – not that she would have expected anything different from him. Besides, if he went too far, all she had to do was turn her powers back on and push him away. "I'm okay with that. Do you want me to do it?"His eyes darkened even more. "Yes, I do."Raven summoned handcuffs and bound her wrists to the headboard. "Like that?""Perfect." Garfield's smile was growing wider and more mischievous by the minute. "Now, make yourself powerless for me, will you?"Her breaths became shaky at that. She closed her eyes to focus and figured it
was
probably better to remove her powers already before she destroyed her boyfriend's bedroom by accident. "O-okay."That smell. He would recognize that smell anywhere. She was turned on. She only smelled like this when she was…well, wet. He waited patiently until she did her enchantment and there was no more danger. And then he started playing with her. He kissed and licked on her neck while massaging her breasts, making her arch her back, giggle and moan at the same time. Garfield sat on her stomach and watched her chest rise and fall with her heavy breathing. Her eyes were closed."Open your eyes. Look at me." He instructed dominantly.She did. Her breathing got even shakier and every breath she took was audible now.Garfield took his shirt off and teased and massaged her body while looking into her wide eyes. "You know…" He said in a soothing, but firm voice. "You look really beautiful all vulnerable and exposed like that."Raven stopped resisting. Surprising as it was, she was
extremely
into it. So she allowed her lips to part and her body to squirm in anticipation under him. She allowed her eyes to show him how turned on she was. Her voice came out a lustful, but still playful whisper. "You like me at your mercy, master?"That did it. His senses heightened, and yet all he saw, heard, smelled and tasted was her. He let desire guide his actions because his mind was a complete blur. Some deep dark instinct took over and knew exactly what to do. He teased her mercilessly by caressing, sucking and licking every exposed inch of skin before slowly removing her top to kiss her breasts. He glanced up at her and the sight was extremely fulfilling. She was a disheveled, whimpering mess. As much as he loved it, his mind was present enough to worry about whether she would resent this or not once the pleasure was over. He took comfort in knowing she could stop it at any time – not to mention she smelled like she was fully enjoying the whole thing – but he still wanted to make sure she was cool with it."Are you okay?" Garfield whispered tenderly.She nodded affirmatively with her eyes closed and a peaceful smile on her face."Are you sure?"Raven opened her eyes and tried to slow her panting enough to form coherent words. His care turned her on as much as his desire did. She gave him an eager smile. "I feel great. Please just take me."The Changeling's heart burned with passion. He smiled wickedly and moved down to remove her bottom.
How does she have complete power over me even now?"Spread your legs." Garfield said in his low, lustful, commanding voice as he took off the rest of his clothes.She immediately and obediently did so and it drove him absolutely insane. He positioned himself between her legs and placed his hands on her knees to keep them apart and for support before leaning down and kissing her thighs. She giggled with the tickles and her legs instinctively attempted to close, but he firmly held them apart and she moaned loudly at the sensation. Garfield took a second to admire her. She was completely exposed; writhing desperately, whining and panting, with her head leaned back and her lips parted."Still okay?" He asked her in a softer voice. He loved this girl, he wasn't about to let lust take him too far and ruin everything.Raven nodded eagerly as her lips spread into a wide smile and she chuckled softly. "Do I need to beg you?"That sparkled something primal in him. Garfield smirked. "That would be nice. You're in the perfect position for it, all spread out like that. Do it."The sorcerer let out a loud whimpering moan and squirmed violently, spreading her legs wider and thrusting her hips up.Close enough.
If Garfield's pupils were dilated before, now they were gigantic and he simply couldn't wait another second. She was so into it – he could see it, but he could also smell it all over her – and it made him feel powerful. He got on top of her again, kissing her passionately, muffling her moans and whispering against her lips. "All right, pet. Don't hurt yourself."Raven's eyes rolled back in her head when he made love to her while deeply kissing her wet, soft lips. Garfield explored her smooth skin with his mouth, on her cheeks and jawline, on her neck and collarbone, and on her shoulders and chest. He squeezed and caressed her body gently, but firmly. He had teased her so much already that they climaxed at the same time for the first time ever.Garfield collapsed on top of her and they were both panting heavily in exhaustion for a few seconds. Then Raven chanted her words to get her powers back and freed herself. She tenderly wrapped her arms around him, caressing his hair. The Changeling gratefully nuzzled her chest, immediately realizing she didn't resent him one bit."I can't believe you just let me do that." He murmured, smiling against her skin and inhaling her scent.Raven chuckled softly. "Why? I trust you. Shouldn't I?""Of course you should." Garfield smiled widely and kissed her hand. "But that doesn't necessarily mean you'd be willing to do something like this.""True." Raven said lazily. "I guess I feel safe with you.""You
are
safe with me. I'll never hurt or disappoint you. I promise.""Well, that's not a promise you can keep. Everyone hurts everyone, especially in a romantic relationship. Just promise you'll never betray me."He smiled at how pragmatic she was. "Okay, love. I promise. I'll
never
betray you."Raven kissed the top of his head. "Any more requests before the night ends?""Mmm…be my girlfriend for forever and ever?""Sorry. No wishes for forever and ever."The Changeling whined playfully. "So many ruuules."The empath giggled and he grinned at the sound.Garfield sighed peacefully. "Fine, then…sing to me? If that's okay.""Honestly, the things I do for you..."The Changeling grinned hugely and moved to lay his head on the pillow next to her. He rested his chin on her shoulder and took a lock of her sweaty hair in his fingers to lazily play with it. "Best. Birthday. Ever."Raven began softly singing the sad and beautiful lyrics of
Sally's Song (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
while soothingly running her fingers through his hair. She could sense his love, his bliss, his devotion and his peace.Garfield sighed happily, drifting off to sleep to her calming, ethereal voice. The romantic lyrics made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside and he slept like a baby, thinking that she sounded like an angel.
I Think He Knows (Taylor Swift)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Garfield was sound asleep when Raven quietly untangled herself from him and sat on the bed, stretching her arms. His birthday had been fun, but now she needed to rest."Is it morning yet?" Beast Boy mumbled."Sorry, didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep." The empath whispered sweetly.He whined. "The bed feels cold without you."She suppressed a chuckle and got out of bed, holding a blanket around her body and realizing she didn't bring clothes she could actually wear. "So, do you feel older yet?""Yes, I do. I think I'm like, mature now.""Oh, that's nice to hear." Raven chuckled softly, still looking around.Garfield realized she was looking a little lost. "What's wrong?""Well, I want to go to bed now but I didn't really want to teleport. I'm a little tired. Your magical requests spent a lot of my magic." She gave him a cheeky smile to let him know it was okay. "I'm too tired to conjure clothes and I'm afraid to teleport like this and mess up. What if I end up in the corridor?""Well, don't do
that. I'm the only one that gets to see you like this.""Well it's like, four in the morning, so I don't think anyone would. But still…" She headed to his closet and opened it. "Can I borrow some clothes?"Garfield's eyes widened. "You want to wear my clothes!?"Raven shrugged. "That's normal, right? Kory wears Dick's stuff all the time." She pulled out a loose t-shirt with a moose in it that read
don't moose with me today."Y-yeah, that's normal." The Changeling tried to contain his excitement so she wouldn't pick up on it and back out.She slipped her panties back on, put on his shirt and looked down. It worked exactly like she thought; it was way too long so it basically worked like a dress for her.
Perfect. Then she picked up on his enthusiasm and looked up. "What?"The shapeshifter quickly looked away from her and tried to sound nonchalant. "Ah, nothing. You look cute in that, that's all."Raven smiled slightly and started gathering some of his things that were scattered across the floor. It was really messy in there and she couldn't help fixing it up a bit before she left. She lifted something that looked like a forgotten slice of pizza and frowned. "Are you serious?"Garfield was watching her intently as she moved around barefoot, wearing his shirt like a dress and with her hair all messy.
Don't let her leave this room. Do NOT let her leave this room."I mean, technically you're an adult now, don't you think you should keep your floor foodless? Anyway, I'm done for now, I'll go to sleep but you should really consider cleaning this up lat-" Raven's line of thought was interrupted by a pair of green arms wrapping around her and pinning her arms to her sides, hugging her tightly. "May I help you?"Garfield nuzzled the back of her neck. It made her shiver and he smiled and mumbled against her skin. "Nope, you're not going. You can't leave."Oh. Cute. Raven smiled a bit and rolled her eyes. "Again
with this not letting me leave thing?""That's right, you're my captive now." He said happily before resting his chin on her shoulder and smiling cheekily.Raven looked sideways and raised an eyebrow at him in a rather intimidating way. She didn't make him let go of her though, because it felt kind of nice and she wanted to see where he was going with this."Please?" Garfield sustained his cheeky grin. "It's my birthday.""Not really, not anymore." She said plainly, but there was a hint of amusement to her tone."C'mon pleeease?
Please
stay." He whispered pleadingly into her ear, making her shiver again.Raven sighed tiredly. "If
I play along with this bit of yours, what would happen now?" She felt his smile widen against her neck."Well…" The shapeshifter said merrily. "You'll come back to bed and we'll make love again and then you'll sleep here with me."The empath frowned. "On
that
narrow bed?""Well, yes. It will be cozy!""And I assume I'll be released in the morning."He shot her a mischievous grin. "We'll see!"Raven narrowed her eyes at him. Maybe she could let him have control a little while longer. She smirked. "Fine. But enjoy it, because next time you're mine and I'm definitely putting you in your place."It was his turn to get chills. "Can't wait.""So are we going to bed or are you holding me like this all night?"Garfield beamed and let go of her, except for her hand, which he held onto to pull her to the bottom bed. "You can wear my clothes whenever you want, by the way."Raven was still in his t-shirt – and nothing else – when they woke up the next morning. The Changeling woke up first and realized he was spooning her while she hugged a pillow to her chest. They often cuddled to sleep, but this particular position hadn't happened since he slept in her room to take care of her when she was hurt. This was a
much
better circumstance for it. He kissed the back of her shoulder devoutly and inhaled her scent.Raven mumbled and sighed peacefully. "Is it morning?""I think so, love." Garfield whispered against the back of her neck.She giggled softly from the tickling sensation his breath left there."I remember the first time I made you giggle. It was on the night I realized you were beautiful for the first time. You said you didn't, but you did. And I knew I'd do anything to make you giggle again." Garfield muttered happily."Oh, that's right. I remember that." Raven whispered. "I had no idea. I really did think you were sick. I got all worried." She chuckled."I was completely infatuated and you started acting cute. I already liked you, but that was the first night I realized you were, like, a
girl.""Your powers of observation are quite remarkable."He laughed light-heartedly. "I'm sorry. Once I saw you, I felt really stupid for being so blind.""It's hard to notice a girl when you're scared of her, I guess. Also, I wouldn't have wanted you to. So it's good that it happened when it did." Raven turned around to look at him and smiled sweetly.Garfield smiled back at her. "Yeah. But now I'm not scared." He lowered his voice to a serious whisper. "Now I'm terrified. I'm terrified because I love you so much more than I ever thought I would love someone."Raven blushed. "That's sweet. You're sweet.""Breakfast?" The Changeling suggested happily."Breakfast."Raven felt so happy she didn't bother changing. She just slipped up her panties and washed her face. So when the others came out for breakfast, she was sitting by the counter in what was clearly one of Beast Boy's shirts, with flushed cheeks, slightly disheveled hair and a peaceful smile on her face while Garfield made breakfast."Morning, you two." Damian smirked.The empath turned to see Cyborg narrowing his eyes and looking amused, Starfire beaming and Richard looking a little uncomfortable. "Morning.""Morning!" The Changeling grinned brightly at the others as he set a plate of waffles on the table and a mug of warm tea in front of Raven."So, Garfield, did you enjoy your birthday?" Damian raised his eyebrows suggestively.Raven nonchalantly began eating a waffle.The shapeshifter's grin widened. "Best B-day ever! Thank you guys so much!"Koriand'r sat down next to Raven feeling absolutely blissful for her friends' obvious joy. Garfield began eating as well and shooting the empath flirty looks."You guys are both really hungry, huh?" Cyborg teased, sitting next to his green best friend and chuckling. "Hey Rae, is that a new look? It's different."Raven just shrugged unapologetically and smiled indiscreetly at Garfield, making him choke on the waffle and Starfire suppress a squeal."Leave them alone..." Richard shot Cyborg and Damian a warning look. He wasn't entirely used to this yet. Dick thought of Raven like a sister and seeing her like this was a little unsettling. But she saw him like this with Starfire all the time, so he would just have to get used to it."Ohh, by the way…" Garfield's eyes glistened. "I want to spar with
everyone
at training today. No powers."He grinned at his girlfriend, who just nodded once to confirm that she had indeed done a spell on him and continued drinking her tea.Nightwing frowned in confusion. "You
do?""So
much."Damian looked at Raven. "You're making him deliriously cocky again."The sorcerer calmly pulled her hair up, tying it in a ponytail. "Well, that…"She stopped when she heard a gasp and felt shock and worry emanating from Starfire beside her. Kory quickly whispered something in her ear and Raven's face turned paler at the same time she hastily let her hair down again. The guys were all staring quizzically at the two girls because fortunately, they hadn't seen what Starfire saw.Raven cleared her throat. "Excuse me." She stood up, hurriedly walking away to her room.Garfield frowned, confused and unsure of whether he should follow her or not, but then he saw Kory mouthing the word
go
to him and quickly got on his feet.The shapeshifter carefully opened her door. "Rae? Is everything okay?""Is that a…?" Raven asked while examining her neck in the mirror.Garfield walked in, still feeling rather confused.The empath turned around to glare at him. "That
is a hickey."She had her hair pulled to one side, exposing the other side of her neck and sure enough it was there, clear as day. A very visible and undeniable purple bruise. It even had the scratch marks from his fangs. It was definitely a hickey. Garfield gulped loudly and tripped over his words, stuttering incoherent gibberish and turning red while shooting her pitiful, apologetic looks.Raven crossed her arms over her chest. "I don't want to hear it."Her voice was firm and it shut him up at once. He gathered the courage to look up at her and was extremely relieved to see her smirking instead of fuming. She walked up to him slowly and menacingly and even in his ridiculous shirt, the way she was staring at him was rather intimidating. At least she didn't seem hurt. He held his breath and prepared to grovel."I thought I told you no hickeys. They are barbaric and possessive. I don't care for a claim mark on my neck." She said seriously. "I'll have to spend energy healing this now.""I'm so,
so sorry. I guess I got carried away – I mean, obviously, I did." He said guiltily.Raven narrowed her eyes. "Fine." She sensed his relief and saw him exhale. Then she folded her arms and smirked smugly and sensually. "But I'm most
definitely
punishing you for that."Garfield's eyes grew huge at the same time his stomach fluttered with butterflies. He had no idea what she meant, but it was something sexual. If this was her anger, he would take it gladly. He suppressed a stupid grin, because he felt that playing along would please her more, so he just nodded slowly. "Understood. Thank you."After she was done showering and changing into her uniform, healing her hickey and feeding Salem, Raven headed to the training room just in time to watch Garfield beat every single Titan in hand-to-hand combat. She rolled her eyes and went to a corner to practice her force-fields.After being beat for the second time on a roll, a very confused Nightwing scratched his head trying to figure out what was going on. He suddenly noticed Raven had a tiny smile on her lips and walked up to her."Did you have anything to do with this?" Dick asked her while pointing at the tatami, where a severely aggravated Damian had just lost for the second time as well.Raven tried to look innocent, but Richard clearly saw through her, so she exhaled and shrugged. "I may have."Nightwing let out a dramatic and exasperated sigh.The empath dismissed him with a hand wave. "Oh don't worry, it will wear off."Cyborg suddenly came back into the training room after having left to search Garfield's room for enhancement drugs. "Yo, BB! Since when do you have a pinball machine in your room!?"Nightwing's head immediately turned to Raven again.The empath sighed. "Okay. That may have been me too."Damian heard her and narrowed his eyes, staring at the shapeshifter's feet. "I thought she conjured you those sneakers for your birthday.""Dude, how many gifts did she get you!?" Victor asked his best friend in an exasperated voice."I definitely overdid it." Raven pondered.
I shouldn't have said he could ask for ANYTHING. Anything is so reckless. I even let him give me a hickey. What is happening to me!?
She looked up at Richard. "I'm actually really tired, so if there's trouble today I'll be a little useless. Go ahead and scold me.""No, don't!" Garfield suddenly jumped in front of her. "It's totally not her fault, it's a
hundred percent
my fault, I swear."Raven sighed. "No, it's n-""Oh, I
believe
you." Richard folded his arms and narrowed his eyes at the shapeshifter. "I still want to talk to her. May I?"Garfield chuckled sheepishly and apologetically and hurried back to the tatami to continue his perfect training session.Nightwing looked at Raven again and realized she was still waiting for him to reprimand her. "Here's my question. Why? Why would you spend so much energy…on…" Dick stopped talking, because he realized Raven was biting her lip and looking up at him rather pitifully, as if she'd been caught.
Oh. Wait a minute. Is she like, ACTUALLY in love with him?
He could relate to that. God knows he'd done stupid shit from being in love. And Raven wasn't used to it, so of course she was going overboard. "Ah…that's okay, Rae. Just…next time, don't spend all your juice on spoiling your clueless boyfriend, okay?""Noted." The empath nodded and smiled gratefully.Later that day, Nightwing pulled the Changeling aside."Dude, I told you. I beat you fair and square." Garfield said in an annoyed voice."You know you didn't, but that's unimportant. This isn't about that.""Oh." The shapeshifter frowned. "Then what's this about?""Raven."Garfield raised an eyebrow. "Okay…""Just because she'll do anything you ask for, that doesn't mean you should ask for
everything."The Changeling stared at the floor. He did feel a little guilty about it. The pinball machine was probably a bit much.
She could have said no though, I wouldn't have pressed her to-"You know she
will,
right?" Richard said firmly. When the shapeshifter just blinked at him, he elaborated. "She'll do
anything
for you. I've never seen her like this."Garfield's heart fluttered and he smiled, because Dick knew Raven really well and if he was saying all this stuff then…the Changeling stopped and realized he seemed troubled. "You don't look happy about that.""Just…" Nightwing sighed and put a hand on the shapeshifter's shoulder, speaking in a serious voice. "Make sure you deserve her."Garfield nearly flinched.
That's a hard task. "I'm trying to.""Don't try. Succeed." Richard said calmly and then he walked away without another word, leaving a slightly troubled Garfield behind.A few days later, it was Valentine's Day. They'd all decided to go to a Valentine's Day party together. Garfield had absolutely forbidden Raven from giving him anything since she'd given him way too many awesome gifts on his birthday already."Hey, love? About my birthday…did you regret…you know, what you did?" The Changeling asked cautiously.Raven looked up from her book and raised an eyebrow. "Which part?""All of it.""No. I should have restricted your wishes more; doing magic that complex for fun is unwise. From now on I'll probably get you regular gifts, if that's okay." She smiled apologetically at him, but he was grinning lovingly, so she relaxed. "But other than that, no."His grin widened considerably. "So…the whole umm….sexy
portion of it…""That
was fun." She said pointedly, closing her book and giving him a small, confident smile. "We should do it again some time."The Changeling blushed deeply and his grin became a little idiotic.
She said we should do it again. We're doing it again!Raven got up. "Not tonight, though." She stared at him in a slightly menacing way. "You
still need to pay me for that hickey."Garfield gulped and felt butterflies in his stomach. He wanted to say something witty, but she was already gone, so he went to get ready like everyone else and put on his uniform. Unlike Halloween, Valentine's Day usually had
some
kind of trouble going on. All the brokenhearted villains would decide to make a fuss.Once they got there, Nightwing took Starfire to the dancefloor and Raven, Cyborg and Beast Boy went to check out the food. Raven frowned at all the tacky decoration and Garfield noticed and smiled absentmindedly, wondering how on Earth she liked him – or maybe even loved him – when she disliked cheesy things so strongly."We should have invited more people to come with us." Victor sighed."Terra and Speedy will be here soon." Raven pointed out."That doesn't help me. I'm still the only single one. I think I'll just go back to the tower…""Don't be silly." The empath shrugged, pointing at the snack table. "Look. Free food."Cyborg smiled a little. "That
is
free food. You're absolutely right.""I usually am…" Raven looked away when her boyfriend joined the half-robot in devouring the snacks. Then she saw someone and her eyes widened for a second. "Oh.""Oh?" Garfield was by her side in a heartbeat."I think…" She whispered to him. "Jinx is here."The shapeshifter's eyes widened and then he frowned at his best friend, looking concerned. "Uh…Cy? Jinx is here."Victor turned around at once, with his mouth full. "Oh, shit."Raven grimaced.
Does EVERY guy talk with their mouth full?Cyborg swallowed and cleared his throat. "Well, that…that's okay. I mean, it's about time this isn't awkward anymore. She's apologized a million times. Is she here with someone?""I didn't see." Raven said plainly."I should talk to her. Clear the air and stuff." Victor said, mostly to himself."I think that's a good idea." The empath said calmly."Noooo
don't
talk to her!" Garfield squeaked at the same time.Cyborg looked between them, feeling really confused. "Uh…""You know what? Don't listen to me. Just do what she said." The Changeling sighed, pointing at his girlfriend.The half-robot chuckled. "Yeah. I will."After Victor left, Garfield suddenly turned to Raven while grinning suggestively, because the familiar first notes of
Stutter
started playing.She fondly rolled her eyes at him. "Here we go…"When the first verses began, he started singing the words to her shamelessly and theatrically and he purposely and visibly shuddered every time he sang the word
shudder. Raven tried to fight back a smile, but it was already finding its way to her lips.When the chorus began, he twirled around her and hugged her from behind, greedily moving his hands up and down her body as he sang over her shoulder, meaning every single word. Raven couldn't hold back anymore. He was being really cute and naughty and a little ridiculous in the best possible way. She chuckled softly and buried her face in her hand.Garfield gently removed her hand from her face while singing the final part of the chorus, facing her upfront again and grinning lustfully. At the last sentence, he actually pressed their hips together and started grinding. His grin widened when he realized she was blushing.When the second verses started, he pulled her by the hands towards the dancefloor as he continued singing the words and staring into her eyes. She grinned and he felt encouraged. The song was as emotional and dramatic as he was and it matched his energy perfectly. He pulled her close again and put his hands on her hips while she rested her arms over his shoulders in a carefree way and moved in sync with him.The second chorus came up and he realized this was the first time she actually danced with him. Well, except for that one time on the roof, but that was friendly and platonic and goofy.
This
was something else entirely. He spun her around and started hip-grinding again, this time holding her from behind. His chest was pressed to her back and his arms were firmly wrapped around her chest and stomach. He sang the words into her ear while they moved together. Raven caressed his arms with her hands and closed her eyes, allowing her body to move along with his. It did feel really nice and she convinced herself no one was paying attention to them since it was crowded and slightly dark in there.Then suddenly Garfield spun her around again and dropped to his knees at the bridge of the song, looking up at her hungrily and singing as he slowly climbed her, gripping her thighs first and then her hips and her waist. Raven giggled freely and he beamed at her.The final choruses came up and he had his forehead leaned against hers and his arms wrapped around her waist so she wrapped her arms around his neck and they danced together in a rather sensual way. At the end of the song he leaned his head back so she could properly see his face while he sang to her. He really did mean every single word. And then Raven cradled his face and pulled him into a deep, sweet kiss and he melted into it. After several seconds they pulled away for air."I think I'm addicted to you." Garfield whispered playfully.Raven smiled teasingly. "That makes me sound like a drug."He gave her a stupid and passionate grin. "Well you could definitely ruin my life."She opened her mouth to answer, but then she saw something behind him and tapped his arm to make him look as well. Garfield turned around and saw Terra and Speedy waving at them, along with Wally West. He and Raven exchanged concerned looks for a second then walked up to greet them. The shapeshifter cheerfully hugged everyone and Raven gave them a polite nod and a slight smile."We didn't know you'd be here, Wally." The Changeling tried to sound unbothered."Yeah…" Kid Flash looked around. "I just…I figured I'd see some of Jump City again, you know? I kinda miss it…so, who else is here?"Terra and Raven exchanged knowing looks."Kor and Dick are right there." The sorcerer pointed to the center of the dancefloor where a small crowd was admiring the pair as they danced together. "And Cyborg is…somewhere. Also, Jinx is here."Raven raised an eyebrow at the speedster's flustered reaction."So…we should probably join Dick and Kory, right?" Terra said, pulling Speedy by the hand and looking intently at her empath friend."Yes, I think so." Raven quickly agreed and pulled Garfield along.The two couples joined Nightwing and Starfire and the crowd got even bigger. Raven wasn't loving the spotlight, but she did like lazily and casually moving her body in sync with Garfield's, with her back to his chest. She noticed he could probably rest his chin on the top of her head if he made himself a little taller. Raven already thought he was cute when he was short and scrawny, but this was even better. She rested her head on his shoulder and focused on him, like she had all night. It really helped, because there were a lot of intense emotions around for her powers to pick up on. A party like this was the ultimate test for empaths.And then she picked up on something familiar that distracted her and she turned her head to whisper in Garfield's ear. His eyes widened and they indiscreetly left the dancefloor together. Raven followed her powers to the source and stopped dead in her tracks. Garfield wasn't as fast and he bumped into her. Then Terra and Speedy bumped into him, and Nightwing and Starfire bumped into them, because everyone had obviously followed them. Raven used her powers to steady herself and not fall face forward. She would have turned around to frown disapprovingly at everyone's hasty arrival, but she was busy staring at the source of her curiosity. Kid Flash and Jinx were kissing."Is this a good thing?" Nightwing shouted over the loud music."Well, they like each other." Raven said plainly."What?" Speedy shouted."She said they like each other!" Garfield yelled back.Raven turned around and started pushing everyone away. "We're prying.""What?" Terra asked loudly, looking back at the pair kissing."She said we're prying!" Kory shouted.Raven rolled her eyes, but felt very grateful to her friends for doing all the shouting for her. She told Garfield to go find Cyborg and he hesitated a little because it
was
Valentine's Day, but she said they had all night and he should check on his friend. Then she sat by the bar while the other two couples headed back to the dancefloor, formulating theories about the latest gossip."Jinx. Kid Flash." The empath sensed their energies after a while and announced herself, nearly scaring them to death because they hadn't seen her."Shit! Raven!" Wally held onto his chest.The sorcerer turned her head to look at them with an amused expression. "I need to apologize. I'm afraid everyone saw you because of me. Well, except maybe Victor.""Oh." Jinx sat on a stool next to her. "He actually talked to me before and we decided to just be friends. Then Wally came in and…"Raven smiled slightly at the nervousness and excitement emanating from Jinx."I said I needed to know if anything had changed since the Hall of Justice." Kid Flash said, grinning lovingly at Jinx.The empath nodded. "And it had."Jinx rolled her eyes and smiled. "Yeah, I'm braver now. I thought he was done with me though, but…apparently not." She shot Kid Flash a wicked, flirty grin."I tried to be, but it didn't stick."Raven's smile had grown involuntarily wider. "I'm happy for you."Kid Flash beamed at her. "Thanks! I'm gonna be around a lot more, by the way. I mean, if everyone's okay with that.""I'm sure they will be." Raven reassured him. Cyborg wouldn't love this, but he wasn't hung up on Jinx anymore. They could probably team up again."Yeah, thanks." Jinx said before smiling wickedly. "I figured if
you
of all people are willing to endanger the
entire
world for a guy who thinks
brainfreeze
is funny, then what was
I
scared of? You know?"Raven rolled her eyes tiredly. "I see you haven't changed
that
much.""Why would I?" The enchantress asked charmingly.Wally thanked Raven more emphatically now that he knew she'd had something to do with Jinx's change of heart before being pulled away by a happy enchantress and the empath watched them fondly and tried to block other people's feelings until Garfield came back."Cy's okay. He doesn't want to see it so he went home, but he'll be fine.""Hey, Gar?" Raven sighed. "Can we maybe go home too? This party is a little overwhelming for me. I liked it, but…it's a lot."Garfield smiled lovingly at her. "Of course we can. I can give you your present!"Once they were back in Raven's room, Salem climbed onto her lap and she pulled a small wrapping from her bedside table while caressing his fur.The shapeshifter's eyes widened. "No, you shouldn't have gotten me anything! You already-""I didn't, relax." She said pointedly. "It's just a treat. Here."Garfield took the wrapping suspiciously and opened it to find six cards inside. He smiled when he realized what they were. Three of them said DATE CARD –
worth one date of your choice,
two said EXPRESSING CARD –
worth one open touchy-feely conversation
and one said MY ROOM CARD –
worth one night of me staying in your messy room."Use them wisely." Raven smirked.The Changeling beamed at her. "This is
so
cute. I love you so much." He leaned in to kiss her tenderly.She sighed contently into the kiss. "So…where's mine?"Garfield pulled out a flat wrapping from behind his back, suddenly feeling all nervous about this. "So, uh…it's not like; it's nothing fancy. It's actually something I made – well, kind of, but…maybe I should get you something else and…hey!"Salem had snatched the present from his hands with his mouth and he dutifully and proudly laid it on Raven's lap."Good boy." The sorcerer scratched his back, making him purr."Kiss-ass." Garfield grumpily, but playfully, addressed his girlfriend's kitten.The Changeling held his breath while she gracefully opened his gift without tearing the wrapping paper. He nervously hugged his knees to his chest. "It will make no sense at first; you need to look through it."Raven was amused by how nervous he was. She removed the paper to reveal the sketch book she'd given him – the one he used to sketch his new uniform.
Right, you have to look through it. She opened it to the first page and her lips parted in awe and surprise. It was another drawing of her. It was her profile smiling peacefully under orange glow, with disheveled hair, bare shoulders and sweaty skin.
Limbo. She smiled up at him and he gestured for her to turn more pages. She raised her eyebrows and flipped another page. It was her again. A full-body drawing of her looking pretty magnificent in an X-Men uniform. Raven's eyes widened and she turned another page. It was her again, seated and wrapped in a blanket with her back bare. She let out a small gasp as she flipped page after page and saw herself again and again.All dressed up and sipping Moscow Mule, playing video games in a gray loose t-shirt, staring out the window, looking mysterious with her hood up, absentmindedly sipping tea, singing karaoke, meditating in a Lotus stance, laughing breezily, sleeping peacefully, reading a book, glowing under starlight, glimmering in the ocean, standing confidently in her new armored uniform with magical energy in her eyes, looking down dominantly and looking up sensually, looking grumpy and annoyed, looking amused and tender and looking fierce, looking menacing with four red eyes and then doing Tai Chi and Yoga. It was her looking backwards, sideways and down. It was her from every angle. She quickly activated the crystal that took her powers away because she could feel them going wild as she flipped through the pages.Raven's naked neck exposed by a ponytail. Raven's piercing eyes staring out the page. Raven dancing with her arms above her head, in her underwear on someone's lap with lust in her eyes, blushing cutely, petting Krypto, floating ethereally with white hair flying around, standing tall with fireworks behind her, wearing the necklace he gave her while eating cotton candy in the carnival and sitting on the floor all covered in puppies and kittens. Raven's deep eyes emerging from the water. Raven giggling with paint all over her face, holding Salem to her chest, casually standing in a messy room wearing Garfield's shirt with flushed cheeks and sweaty hair, and every other Raven there was. And in every single one she looked unbelievably beautiful, the way girls in paintings do when the artist is in love with them.Garfield was extremely nervous, because her expression was impossible to read. It wasn't blank – she was frowning and focused and almost seemed a little desperate. Her chest would rise and fall heavily and her eyes were hastily changing directions, taking it all in. He hugged his knees to his chest a little tighter. Once she had seen every drawing there was, she looked up and he saw tears in her eyes.
Are those good tears or bad tears!?
"Raven?"This time, her wide eyes couldn't keep all the tears secure and three of them silently rolled down her cheeks against her will.The Changeling's heart tightened and he panicked. "Shit,
you're crying! You…you hate it. I'm so sorry, please don't cr-""Gar." Raven whispered, interrupting him. She swallowed the rest of her tears while he stared at her fearfully. She was glad she couldn't sense him, because her own emotions were enough to handle at the moment. "This…you...is this how you see me?"Garfield examined her expression as it gradually became less enigmatic and more vulnerable.
Oh thank God, I think she likes it. "Well…yeah. I mean, it's who you are. I just tried to stay faithful to the source material, though it doesn't really come close..." He chuckled sheepishly."No, but this…you…" She whispered again, reopening the sketch book and going back and forth, glancing at the drawings at random.He bit his lip.
It's the second time she says that. "I-I know some of them are sexy…I made sure I didn't draw you naked just in case, you know…someone sees it…but if you don't lik-""You are…" Raven finally managed to steady her voice. She looked up at him. "...the
sweetest…"She was looking into his eyes and he couldn't look away again. He felt trapped and tongue-tied, but he liked it. Her eyes were warm and loving.
This is good. Sweet is good.Raven closed the sketch book and carefully placed it beside her on her bed. "…kindest…"Garfield inhaled sharply, trying not to get too excited about where she was going with this.The empath elegantly crawled onto his lap, straddling him, and realized he was a little paralyzed, so she placed his hands on her hips. "…bravest
person I've ever met." She didn't need powers to see his eyes widen and his cheeks blush. She cupped his face in her hands, still looking into his eyes. "And I will
never
deserve you."He had been silently freaking out in the best possible way and fighting back a very unattractive squeal, but he scoffed at that last bit. "Are you making fun of me? Cause it's not funny."Raven rolled her eyes and kissed him passionately, gently rubbing his cheeks with her thumbs. She only pulled away slightly to whisper against his lips when she felt him relax and melt into it. "Does it look like I'm joking?"The Changeling felt so stupidly happy he wanted to cry. He was absolutely sure that he would, so he took a deep breath. "Rae, that…that makes no sense." He whispered. "You're Raven. You beat Trigon. You still fight him every day. You endured torture. You fought the Phoenix and Eclipso. You brought
me
back to life. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you."She smiled softly, still caressing his cheeks. "Mmm none of that is enough. You're just…" Raven suddenly felt a rush of joy and pushed him backwards, falling over him and smiling widely. She grunted under her breath. "I just can't…you're just so…"The empath kissed him lovingly again and smiled against his lips.Garfield allowed his heart to soar freely. His chest was burning in that delicious way again and he could no longer keep a gigantic and passionate grin off his face.
This is so much better than any reaction I imagined. "So then you like it, huh? Your present."Raven chuckled blissfully. "I love it so much. You're so talented."His grin widened and he tangled his fingers in her hair. "Nah. I just found my muse."The empath's heart skipped a beat.
Hold onto him for as long as you can. "I want to share it with
everyone
and
no one
at the same time, you know?"The Changeling chuckled breezily. "I don't know how to solve that.""It's just so amazing and I want everyone to know but it's also so intimate and I'm a little worried anyone who sees me through your eyes will just fall in love with me."Raven giggled at her own joke and he laughed and pulled her face closer to kiss it repeatedly. He kissed her cheeks, her forehead, chin, nose and eyelids. It made her giggle more and his heart swelled with happiness to the point it was physically painful – in a wonderful sort of way. That nagging, crippling fear of losing this was
also
annoyingly present.Garfield puffed his chest. "You're right, don't show anyone. Don't make me fight for you, please."
If I lose you, I think I'll lose my mind.She smiled cheekily. "Well I'll think about it. But you wouldn't have to. The way I feel about you is very…singular.""Promise?" He whispered hopefully.The empath narrowed her eyes in thought. She never made promises she couldn't keep. "I can't promise we'll
always
be like this, because I don't know the future. But…I promise you that for as long as we are, you don't have to worry about anyone else."Garfield grunted loudly. "Why are you so reasonable? Can't you just feed me sweet lies?"Raven chuckled and sat back up again. "Sorry, I don't do that." She picked up the sketch book again. "So, which is your favorite? You must have a favorite."The shapeshifter sat up too, leaning back on his hands and watching her with adoring eyes. "That's an impossible question."She tossed the book to him. "C'mon. There must be one you kept going back to. Show me."Garfield smiled widely and started flipping through the pages. "Fine. They all make me warm and fuzzy or hot and bothered, but…" He showed her a page. "If I
have
to choose…this one."It was her, sitting cross-legged on her bed in shorts and a strappy black t-shirt, eating pancakes from a platter and smiling at whoever was looking at the drawing, with slightly pink cheeks and messy hair. Raven smiled fondly at him and took the book back. "Why that one?"The Changeling smiled to himself. "That answer would freak you out, trust me."Raven bit her lip. "Well now I'm curious…"Garfield sighed and shrugged. "It's what I want to be looking at in ten years, or thirty, or fifty."She took an intake of breath. He was right, that scared her a little. But it was also really sweet.
What do I say to that?
"Are we dying before we turn eighty or are you planning to break up with me when you're seventy-one to explore other options?"He was definitely taken aback by her making a joke and frowned for a second before laughing loudly and softly hitting her with a pillow. "I'm just bad at math, okay?!"Raven chuckled softly and hit him back with her own pillow. He got on top of her, laughing hysterically and she giggled in return. Once they were slightly calmer, they kissed again."Best gift anyone has ever given me." She whispered. "Thank you, love."Garfield felt so much pride and happiness he nearly proposed to her on the spot.
Woah, chill. Don't ruin this.
"So…am I getting punished for that hickey now?" He grinned cheekily."Oh, I'm still punishing you for that." Raven said pointedly. "But not tonight." She placed her drawings on her bedside table and lay down on her side next to him. "Your gift got me in a different mood. Can we try something new?"He lay on his side to look at her. "Of course. I don't care what we do as long as it's you."The sorcerer rolled her eyes tenderly. Then she slowly placed his hand on her hip and wrapped her leg over his, making sure to always keep eye contact. She scooched closer and brought a hand to his chest. He stared into her eyes, mesmerized by the slow and uncharacteristic way she was moving. She kissed him and he realized this was going to be vanilla love-making. His heart fluttered and for once it slowed down instead of racing. Garfield kissed her back sweetly and they gave each other pleasure embraced on their sides like that. It was slow and smooth and downright
romantic.
He was on cloud nine. She wasn't complaining either.Raven went back to her usual self in the morning, but Garfield was clingier than ever. She wondered if letting it get that soft and sweet had been a mistake, but she couldn't really regret it – not when it felt so nice. The shapeshifter reluctantly accepted when she said they needed to sleep separately for at least three nights on a roll after the eventful night they'd shared. He thought about using one of his cards, but he had
just
gotten them – he should keep them for a more desperate moment. He could wait three nights. Raven had been making sure she was extra sweet whenever she asked him for space – she couldn't be rude to him after Valentine's Day."Has anyone seen Raven?" The Changeling asked eagerly as he stepped into the ops room, hoping he could prevent a fourth cold night in his lonely room."She's in Star's room." Dick said plainly from where he was strategizing with Damian.Garfield began walking towards the Tamaranean's bedroom."I wouldn't interrupt them." Nightwing stated calmly.The Changeling turned on his heels, grunting loudly in frustration."Dude. You look like you're in withdrawal. She's not crack, you know?" Damian gave the shapeshifter a judgmental look."In his defense, love
is
addictive. Most of us just have more self-control than him." Richard said without looking up from his battle plans.Robin frowned. "Why would anyone want that?""You'll know when it happens to you…" A miserable Cyborg grumbled sadly from the couch.Even Richard looked up at that. He frowned at the pitiful sight before him."No, thank you." Damian said intently.Dick whispered to Garfield. "Instead of smothering your girlfriend, why don't you deal with
that?" He tilted his head towards the sad-looking half-robot.Right. I should do that. He would do it for me. The shapeshifter tried to conceal his own bliss as well as he could and walked up to his best friend, who was sitting on the couch, sighing and staring blankly at the ceiling. "What's up, Vic?"Cyborg just mumbled incoherent grumpy gibberish.Garfield sat down next to him. "Uh…wanna talk about it?"Victor grunted. "You don't want me to bring you down with my problems. You and your
perfect
relationship with your
Satan's-daughter-princess-of-Hell
girlfriend and your magical pinball machine and your brand new uniform and your post-sex waffles an-""Okay, okay, I get it. But I do. I do want to hear. Is this about Jinx and Kid Flash?""Yes and no." Cyborg sighed. "That just made me realize how much I really like Karen."Garfield grinned. "Oh, that's good! You can-""No, dude. It's
not
good. I took too long to make a move and now she doesn't want me!" Cyborg flailed his arms around. "I can't stop thinking about her. Remember when you told me about Raven and you said that all the stuff you already liked about her was all
enhanced
and stuff?" He looked sideways to see his friend nod at him. "That's how I feel. I mean, she's always been awesome. But now that I've
seen
her, I can't go back. And I missed my shot."The Changeling just grinned wider. "Dude, what are you
talking
about?!" He lightly punched his friend's arm and immediately regretted it and felt really stupid, because it was metallic and kind of hurt his hand. "You don't just
give up!
Look, you probably offended her taking too long to decide who you like, that's true. You just need to do something
big!
She needs to know she's the
only
one you want. You know?""It's pointless."Garfield frowned. "You know what? You're being pathetic." He sustained his stare when Cyborg glared at him. "What? You are! Look who you're talking to! I mean, seriously!? What's your obstacle? I convinced
Satan's daughter
to be my girlfriend, don't you think you have a shot at persuading Bumblebee?""Actually, he's got a point." Damian said pointedly from where he and his brother were still studying battle plans.Richard just nodded his head in agreement. "Mhmm.""See?!" Garfield pointed at the two boys. "Even the Robins agree with me!"Cyborg looked at his enthusiastic best friend.
He's not wrong…"I would argue no one has ever had worse odds than he did." Nightwing said teasingly, smiling slightly but still not looking up.Garfield narrowed his eyes at the leader. "Hey!"Robin chuckled. "Right, I would argue he's living proof that
anyone
can persuade
anyone.""It did take an
inspiring
level of persistence." Richard added.At least Cyborg wasn't sad anymore, because now he was laughing along with the Robins.The Changeling grumpily folded his arms. "How am I the target here!? I was trying to help!"Salem climbed onto Garfield's lap for support."No, we're agreeing with you!" Nightwing shrugged as he tried to stop laughing."Yeah well you don't need to agree this
empathically!" The shapeshifter complained."C'mon, BB." Victor chuckled. "Your perfect and highly unlikely relationship is an inspiration to us all, don't be mad!""That's right." Damian said. "Cyborg, if you don't give up, you'll eventually fatigue her into saying yes. So hang in there."Garfield flailed his arms around. "I didn't
fatigue
her!"And then he sniffed her scent. Raven was near."What's this now?" The empath's blank voice made the other three boys jump.Garfield turned his head to see Raven and Starfire staring at them questioningly while the others hopelessly tried to stop laughing. He grinned at Raven. "They're being mean to me! Defend me, my love!"The sorcerer floated closer and lazily rested her arms on his shoulders from behind the couch. "Why? You seem to be doing so well."That made everyone laugh three times louder and even Garfield laugh along. His hands found Raven's on his chest and he held them. She smiled slightly."We were just saying his persistence with you was admirable." Damian explained once he could finally catch his breath."They didn't say it all
nicely
like that." The shapeshifter narrowed his eyes at the young Robin.Raven leaned down and rested her chin on the top of his head. "How
did they say it?"Cyborg and Nightwing had calmed down now, for different reasons. Dick didn't want Starfire and Raven to think he was a jerk and Victor was getting depressed again watching Raven being all cute with his best friend – they were
disgustingly
sweet."They said I
fatigued
you!" Garfield exclaimed, rubbing her arms with his hands.The empath chuckled lightly. "They're just messing with you. We all know I'm not that easy to bend. My willpower is legendary, remember?""Okay Rae and that's all great but since we're talking about this, how
did
it happen? If not persistence, then what convinced you?" Cyborg raised an eyebrow.The Changeling frowned, realizing he didn't know either. "Yeah, how
did
it happen?"Raven straightened up, with a subtle smile on her face. "Well, it helps if the girl likes you. I already liked him."Garfield gasped and every eyebrow shot up except Starfire's, who took advantage of the moment of shocked silence to sit next to Beast Boy on the couch and hug him tightly. Raven quickly pulled her hands away to escape the Tamaranean's grip."Oh Beasty, your drawings of Rae are so
wonderful!" Kory squealed."Kor, please let my boyfriend breathe." The sorcerer said plainly.Starfire sheepishly released him and Garfield took a minute to catch his breath while getting butterflies at the same time.
She called me her boyfriend. It wasn't that common to hear the word out of
Raven's
mouth. He really liked it."What drawings?" Cyborg suspiciously narrowed his eyes."My Valentine's Day gift." Raven said simply, going back to locking hands with Garfield over his shoulders. She squeezed his hands slightly. "I showed them to Kor, obviously.""They are
marvelous!
You are
most
talented!" Starfire praised him again."Thanks, Kor." The Changeling smiled at her."Do
we
get to see these
amazing
sketches?" Damian asked."Oh no, I do not think that would be appropriate." Kory shook her head negative."Why not?" Richard raised an eyebrow at Garfield's flushed face."Well…" Raven pondered. "You can see
some
of them, but you can't pick up the sketch book and flip through it like Kory did.""Some of them are…" The Tamaranean lowered her voice to a whisper. "…intimate."Now everyone was blushing, so Raven cleared her throat to change the subject. "Mm, anyway. Can I see you in my room, Gar? I mean, if guy-time is over and-"He was already jumping over the back of the couch and ready to go. "Oh, by the way, you already liked me? Since
when
do you like me?"Raven held back a smile and silently floated to her room, ignoring the question.Once they were alone, he grinned enormously. "So what's up?"She smirked. "I haven't forgotten about that hickey, you know?"Garfield's eyes widened and his stomach fluttered. "Am I getting punished?""Severely." Raven said in a low, menacing voice that gave him chills.She hastily helped him remove his clothes. Then the lights in her room diminished and she disappeared in the shadows. He looked around for her, but he didn't get a chance to find her because dark energy suddenly bound his wrists behind his back and blindfolded him. He let out a small gasp and then gulped, and suddenly a light finger was running over his shoulders and down his back, which involuntarily arched, making her chuckle wickedly. He felt so extremely vulnerable and at her mercy and it was wonderfully sexy, which is why he couldn't stop smiling. The shapeshifter felt her tying his hands with something solid. Not rope – something soft and comfortable, but firm. Then she used the same on his eyes."Don't worry, love. You're safe with me." The sorcerer whispered soothingly.Garfield's breaths got heavy and shaky with anticipation. He was already turned on.She firmly held onto his shoulders from behind and leaned in to whisper in his ear. "I'm taking my powers away now so that I can play with you. But be warned, if you shapeshift your way out of this, I'm punishing you with sexual abstinence instead."He shuddered and shook his head, hearing his heart pounding loudly in his ears. "I wouldn't."Raven chanted her words and watched him intently. He was smiling lustfully and sniffing her, trying to figure out where she was. She walked around him admiring her view and then she lightly and provocatively ran her fingers up and down his arms. The sudden soft touch made him shiver. She smiled lustfully and gently pushed him against the wall, and then she leaned in and licked, kissed and nibbled his sensitive ears, lingering on the tips. Garfield felt completely helpless and moaned loudly, leaning his head back.She whispered sensually in his ear while bringing a hand down to tease him mercilessly. He was already so hard. "You think you can brand me and get away with it?"All he could do was keep panting with his lips parted and moan when her fingers did something wicked."I think I need to teach you a lesson." She whispered in his other ear before leaning his head even further back and tracing his neck with kisses and light sucking. "Maybe I'll give
you
a hickey. And then I won't heal it. And everyone will see." Raven smiled to herself because she wasn't actually going to do that, but she wanted to watch his reaction. It was worth it. He inhaled sharply and trembled slightly, nodding his head to let her know he was fine with that. She chuckled. "My turn to hold
you
captive.""Oh God, Rae…" Garfield moaned again.And then Raven gently touched his face and whispered in a much softer, kinder and serious voice. "Are you okay, love?"The shapeshifter quickly nodded. "Yes, please don't stop."Her eyes darkened. "Good. So…this is how this is going to work." Raven pressed her body to his and gave his butt cheek a squeeze while kissing the crook of his neck. Her voice was sensual and soothing, but it had a dangerous tone. "You're not going to touch me…" She ran a hand up his chest, making him shudder again. "You're not going to see me…" She slowly moved her hips against his, making him whimper in pleasure and pain. "And I am going to do…" She kissed down his jawline. "…whatever I want with you…" She lowered her hand and wrapped it around him gently, but firmly, making him yelp slightly. "…and you'll never see it coming." She concluded, sucking on his right nipple.HOLY SHIT. UNHOLY SHIT. Garfield could only submit to her and pray for mercy. He had no idea where or how she would touch him next and he couldn't do anything about it. There was a part of him that was so desperate to touch her it wanted to escape, but sexual abstinence was not a price he was willing to pay. Besides, this was
hot.
It was torture, but it was the most blissful, most
delicious
torture anyone had ever inflicted on someone. His lips were parted and his knees were weak and when she pulled away from him, he was absolutely sure he would have fallen if it wasn't for the wall.Beast Boy whined loudly at the sudden loss of contact and he got harder just imagining she was watching him writhe and moan for her.
God I hope she's turned on and not put off by this.
He didn't take long to find out though, because he could smell it on her. She was definitely turned on. He was just about to beg her to touch him again when he felt a wet and warm sensation down his most vulnerable parts. She was licking and kissing and sucking and driving him absolutely insane. He panted heavily as loud, sinful pleasure sounds escaped his lips."Still okay there, love?" Raven checked on him."Y-yes! Fuck, I…I love you!"She chuckled against him, making him moan louder. Then suddenly she stopped before he could peak and he whimpered pleadingly. The shapeshifter felt a firm hand under his chin pulling him a certain direction and he let her guide him. She pulled him to her bed and helped him sit and lean back on a pillow against the headboard."Are you comfortable?" Raven asked seriously.Garfield nodded. The fact that she was taking care of him made him feel completely safe."You know…I can tell when someone is objectively attractive." She pondered, running her fingers through his hair. "But it never affects me. I don't lust after people, you see? Except for
you. You're the only creature I've ever really
desired."Well, that made him feel amazing. The Changeling's lips spread in a gigantic, blissful grin.
I didn't fish for that. That was all her. She only wants me. She's only ever wanted me.
His heart ached and burned and pounded sinfully. He could feel her sitting on his lap and eagerly leaned forward to kiss her, but she stopped him with a finger against his lips."Shhh, easy now, pet." Raven whispered playfully."Fuck, Raven
please. Please." Garfield whined desperately."Who's begging
now?" She smirked, moving her hips provocatively on his lap to tease him further.Me. I have no pride. He moaned. The level of anticipation and frustrated pleasure was physically painful at this point. "I
am
begging you. Please, love.
Please.""Okay, love. There's no need for that." Raven whispered sweetly. "But first, tell me how you feel." She said calmly, running her fingers up and down his arms again.Garfield swallowed. He had to concentrate to find the right word in his hazy, blurry mind. "Owned."Raven smiled widely and removed her own clothes. "Wonderful. Now do what I say, okay?" When he just nodded in agreement, she continued in a commanding voice. "Lean your head back for me." He obeyed and she went back to mercilessly teasing his neck. "Now..." She whispered against his skin in that same commanding tone. "Open your mouth."He did and she ran her thumb over his lips before biting lightly on his bottom lip. Then she held his face in her hands and kissed him passionately, feeling him melt into it and whispering against his lips. "Are you mine?"Garfield answered in a slurred, shaky speech. "Completely and irreversibly so. Every inch of me is yours."
Please just rule my whole life.Suddenly he shouted with pleasure. Raven was riding him in slow and lustful movements."Oh shit,
Raven!
Oh, fu- Mmph…" Garfield was silenced when she pulled him into another passionate kiss and he repeatedly moaned into it, realizing he wouldn't last much longer. "C-can I see you? Please let me see you." He whispered pleadingly between kisses.Okay, love.
Raven removed his blindfold and stared deeply into his eyes while she moved.Fuck, she looks so good.
"You're perfect." The Changeling whispered sincerely. "And I'm yours." He repeated, looking into her eyes this time. Her wide, dark, intense eyes."I know, love. I'm yours too." She whispered and leaned forward for more desperate kisses.It didn't take long after that for both of them to scream in pleasure and Raven to collapse on him, resting her forehead on his shoulder while they tried to slow their breathing. She planted sweet, lazy, wet kisses there."Am I allowed to touch you now?" Garfield asked in a breathy, amused voice.Raven chuckled deliciously against his neck. "Yes, I do believe I can give you permission to touch me now." She freed his hands and giggled when he immediately hugged her body tightly and buried his face in the crook of her neck to inhale her scent."I love you so much. You're wicked and you're sweet and you're just perfect in every way." The Changeling muttered against her skin.Raven giggled again. "That tickles, Gar." She smiled at him when he reluctantly removed his face from her neck and breezily grinned at her. "And I'm far from perfect." She played with his messy hair in a childish, playful manner.He closed his eyes and fully enjoyed the moment, gently caressing her smooth skin all over her body. "Is that how you're always gonna punish me when you get mad?" He asked hopefully. "Cause I'm okay with that."Raven rolled her eyes. "We'll see. Are you sure I didn't take it too far? You can tell me."Garfield opened his eyes and gave her a flirty, carefree smile. "Are you kidding me? That was so freaking hot. You're just…devilish.""Well, I
am
half-demon." She said playfully. "Do you want to sleep here tonight?"The shapeshifter rolled his eyes to point out what a ridiculous question that was. "Do I
want
to? I don't want to stop touching you anytime soon. I don't want to
ever
stop touching you. In fact, I'm giving you a backrub right now. Lie down."Raven raised her eyebrows and smiled.
That's a nice offer. She lay on her stomach and he sat on her lower back and firmly, tenderly massaged her bare back. It felt really nice – not only because she was often tense from all the stress and pressure of simply existing and receiving a massage was extremely pleasant, but because the way he was touching her made her feel loved and warm and safe. She moaned softly and content, peaceful sighs escaped her lips every now and then. Raven decided on not activating her powers until morning."Those sounds are gonna make me hard again." Garfield chuckled."Well, we have all night."

Locked Out of Heaven (Bruno Mars)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Raven and Garfield had been a thing for a few months and gone on many more dates. He usually picked something fun and outdoorsy like hiking, where Raven usually started out grumpy and aggravated, but then enjoyed the fresh air and distance from people's emotions. Sometimes she would heal some wounded animal on the way, making the Changeling fall in love harder. He would often tell her to stop and sit somewhere so he could draw her.Raven usually picked something like a museum or the theater, where Garfield usually started out bored, but then something would capture his interest and he'd ask her about it. He listened to her captivating explanations about what they were watching or looking at, and always ended up fully enjoying it. Starfire had suggested a double-date at least a dozen times, but they could never settle on what to do together. The four of them couldn't even agree on a restaurant or a coffee place. Garfield had also started trying to convince Raven to go vegan.They had
a lot
of sex. They had extremely fun sex and the empath was grateful for the size of the tower and the distance between everyone's rooms because they could get a little loud. She discovered she enjoyed letting him be in charge sometimes, and she had been enjoying it more because his dominant side was getting less shy. Raven was surprised to find out that somehow giving him power over her wasn't scary at all, it actually felt rather liberating.They also did sweet vanilla love-making every now and then when they were feeling more romantic. And they still had some problems, of course. He was still constantly afraid Raven would wake up out of love with him and end things. She still hadn't said the L-word to him, though she often tried to show him how much she cared through gestures. As far as she was concerned, not destroying the world after a few months was already a victory.It had been a while since there was any real trouble. They frequently battled minor villains, of course, but things had been quiet after Darkseid. A lot of villains had joined him and gotten their asses kicked, so they were much more cautious. Besides, word about Slade's fate had spread and now everyone knew about the Phantom Zone and they were terrified of Raven again – even with the constant romantic leaked pictures of her and Garfield. Actually, they were scared of him too, because word about Adonis and Kalibak's fates had also spread.Cyborg had taken Beast Boy's advice and was actively chasing Bumblebee for months now. He would flirt with her and give her silly gifts and visit the Titans East just so he could see her, and she was starting to give in to it – not that she would let him know. Kid Flash and Jinx were interacting with the Titans on a regular basis again and Raven went back to practicing magic with Jinx. Wally and Victor were understandably still a little awkward around each other, but they were doing the best they could."Titans, trouble!" Nightwing shouted from the ops room.Raven and Starfire flew out of Raven's room with half-done fingernails and the Changeling and Cyborg dropped the video-game controllers and stood up."It's…shit." Richard frowned. When he felt his entire team staring at him in anticipation, he sighed. "It looks like Gotham's Sirens decided to pay Jump City a visit."It had been a while since Harley Quinn and the Joker broke up and she'd teamed up with Catwoman and Poison Ivy. Of course the Titans knew all about it, because they got constant Intel from Batman himself.Raven immediately and intently turned to Garfield. "Stay away from Poison Ivy."The Changeling let out an outraged gasp. "I'm not going to
kiss
her!""No, she's right." Nightwing stated. "That woman can alter pheromones to seduce people, we should all be careful. Don't underestimate her."Raven shrugged. "I can do that too." When everyone stared at her questioningly, she shrank a little. "I mean, I wouldn't. I'm just saying…I
could."Damian grinned and nodded. "Sick."Raven smiled slightly. "Anyway, I'll try to free you all from her hold if she gets you. But…some
of us should keep our distance." She glanced at Garfield again. "You know…because you're…"The Changeling seemed confused. "I'm what?""Easily influenced." Richard said plainly.Starfire and Cyborg nodded in agreement."I am
not!" Garfield protested."Dude. Mad Mod? You were hypnotized like, ten times." Victor held back a chuckle."That was
ages
ago!" The shapeshifter flailed his arms around until Raven placed a hand on his shoulder, making him stop and look at her."Will you just stay away from her, please? For me?" The empath asked softly.Garfield smiled idiotically at her. "Okay."Nightwing rolled his eyes. "Titans, go!"If it had been only the Sirens themselves, it would have been relatively easy, but obviously, they weren't alone. Ivy had been experimenting with many different types of venom and they all did something different – from paralysis to hallucinations, or even sudden death. This one however, seemed to give her full control over people's minds and there were
many
armed civilians protecting their mistress and her friends – civilians the Titans couldn't harm."Raven, release them." Nightwing instructed.She nodded and floated into a Lotus stance, trying to reach out and free dozens of minds at the same time while complete chaos surrounded her.
Easier said than done."You two, protect her." Richard said to Cyborg and Changeling. He knew he didn't need to tell Garfield to do it and there would be no point asking him to do anything else, but he still thought it was his job.The half-robot and the shapeshifter guarded her against the small army without hurting anyone too badly. Garfield turned into Krypto and took advantage of being bulletproof and having super-speed to make sure no bullets ever got near her and they disarmed as many people as they could. Starfire took on Poison Ivy while Nightwing fought Catwoman and Damian battled Harley Quinn. Raven was in a deep trance as she accessed people's minds being careful not to do any damage. She was nearly there when a bomb exploded behind her, making her lose focus and fall over. Garfield immediately turned around to check on her. And then someone else joined the fight."Ravager." Damian hissed, narrowing his eyes when Rose Wilson walked out of the blast.Raven stared at him quizzically, because even though his voice was menacing, she could sense excitement from him."We need backup here!" Nightwing shouted."Go, I'll protect her." The Changeling told Cyborg in a sure and confident voice.If Victor Stone had ever doubted him, he couldn't remember. There was so much certainty in the shapeshifter's eyes that he was slightly taken aback. Victor glanced at Raven to see her floating in a Lotus stance once again and completely unbothered, so he ran to help the others. Garfield turned into a terrifying alien creature that looked like something out of Raven's horror novels and stood in front of her, roaring dangerously at anyone who dared approach them. So maybe he couldn't kill these people, but he could still scare them.It wasn't quite as easy for the others. The Sirens were skilled and completely unhinged. Ravager and Robin somehow fought their way to each other once again and Harley was on Cyborg's back, messing with his systems. Fortunately, Kid Flash and Jinx joined the fight and the Titans regained the upper hand. Raven finally managed to release people's minds and fell to the floor feeling absolutely drained, to which the Changeling immediately responded by kneeling down next to her to check if she was okay, ignoring the sharp burst of pain on the right side of his body.At that point, the Sirens and Ravager decided to flee. They practically disappeared into thin air. And then Garfield heard something through his enhanced hearing – it was muffled and distant, but it sure was there – a detonator had been activated. He turned into Krypto again and quickly located the bombs – the only problem was there were two. He took one in his mouth and looked around desperately. Starfire could probably do this, but not fast enough – she didn't have super-speed. Wally had super-speed, but he couldn't fly
or
survive if this bomb exploded in his face. Raven could send it through a portal, but he didn't want to ask her. She'd done enough.And then just like a miracle with perfect timing, the real Krypto flew in barking happily and immediately understanding what he had to do and took the other bomb. They flew as fast and as high as they could and returned joyfully after the bombs had detonated in space. Garfield turned human again and winced in pain. He had taken a hit at some point and now that the adrenaline was wearing down he could definitely feel it. Krypto looked concerned. He wasn't the only one."What's wrong?" Raven was already by his side."Nothing, love." The Changeling smiled at her.
She just freed a bunch of people from mind-control, she's tired. If I tell her, she'll feel like she has to heal me.The empath suspiciously narrowed her eyes, but then Krypto happily licked her face and then Garfield's, making them both chuckle – though he contained his laughter considerably because of the pain – and then he flew to Starfire, who hugged him tightly, because he was strong enough to take it."Hey, Krypto man! Wanna race?" Kid Flash greeted the dog in a running stance.Krypto immediately joined him and they were both back in a second.The speedster grinned at the space dog. "Okay, you won this time, but I'll want a rematch!""Hey, man…ah, thanks." Cyborg acknowledged Wally. He
had
saved his ass in that fight.Kid Flash smiled at the half-robot. He really did want things to be okay between them again."So, not that I'm complaining…" Richard greeted the Kryptonian dog. "But why are
you
here?""He's with me." Superboy's cool voice turned everyone's attention to him and Krypto flew to his side."Oh, hey Conner." Nightwing nodded at him once."Titans." Conner nodded back before smirking charmingly at Kory. "Starfire." He glanced at Raven next and smiled. "Raven." And then he turned his attention to Jinx. "Jinx, right?"Richard, Garfield and Wally all felt like punching his face, but that wouldn't do any good since he
was
Superboy and it would probably just break their hands."We could have really used your help about ten minutes ago." Damian folded his arms. He was extremely annoyed that Rose got away from him
again."I got held up. But looks like Krypto found you." Conner Kent analyzed the battlefield. He gestured towards all the confused people walking around and trying to figure out where they were. "Were these people under mind-control?""How did you know?" Raven asked him."It's why I'm here. This venom she's using, Superman thinks it's Lex Luthor's. They might be working together.""Great. A team up of psychos. Just what we needed." The Changeling grumbled.Conner grinned. "Well, we would know more if you had managed to capture someone."Nightwing sighed. "Good to see you too, Conner."They headed back to Titan Tower and Cyborg made sandwiches for everyone, because that fight had really worked up their appetite. Conner was telling Richard everything he knew about Lex's involvement and Damian let Superboy know Slade's daughter was in on it too. Krypto was playing around with Salem and Silkie as if they were lifelong friends while Raven, Garfield and Kory watched them to make sure there were no accidents – Salem was the only one from Earth and considerably smaller and more vulnerable than the other two pets. It turned out they didn't need to worry though, because both Krypto and Silkie seemed very aware of it and were extra careful around the black kitten. Garfield stood up to go get another vegan sandwich and Raven saw him wince in pain again.She floated into the air and to his side. "Enough. You're hurt, aren't you?""Rae, you don't need to worry ab-""Show me." The empath demanded in a serious voice, crossing her arms over her chest."Seriously, it's nothing.""Then why can't I see it?"Because it probably looks bad and I don't want you to suffer by healing it.
Garfield exercised a
lot
more restraint now that he knew she basically healed by absorbing the pain herself. When it was small and she was fully charged it didn't really hurt her, but otherwise…when she'd explained it to him, he was horrified and told everyone to stop asking her to heal stuff.Raven sighed tiredly. "Conner?""It's on his right side. It's bad." Superboy said plainly. When everyone but the half-demon stared at him, he smugly leaned back on the chair. "What? X-Ray vision, remember?"Raven used magic to pull the frontal zipper of Garfield's uniform down to his waist. He gasped, looking outraged and dramatically covering his chest and stomach with his arms.The empath rolled her eyes. "Garfield Logan, let me see it.
Now."The Changeling bit his lip and lowered his uniform to his waist. Raven frowned, inhaled softly and covered her mouth with her hand, but there were loud gasps around the room. He looked down to see a giant black and blue bruise on his side. It looked really bad.
No wonder it hurts."That looks absolutely disgusting." Jinx said indiscreetly, earning a glare from every single Titan and even a disapproving frown from her boyfriend. "What? It does!"Raven ignored her and put Garfield's arm around her shoulders for support. "Let's just get to the couch."The Changeling smiled at his girlfriend and accepted her help, sitting next to her."You're not gonna heal me, are you?" Garfield frowned.Raven frowned as well. "Of course I'm going to heal you. Look at you."She stared at his bruise and he could see pain in her eyes. He remembered how he felt seeing her all bruised and what he would have given to be able to just heal her back then. But this was different. This was nothing compared to that and besides, Raven probably didn't feel for him on the same level he felt for her. "Rae, stop." He held her hands and whispered. "It will hurt you."The empath tilted her head and looked at him with kind eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, if it does it will only be for a second. I'm not leaving you like this." She looked down at the wound again and it seemed even bigger now. The truth was seeing him hurt was actually
breaking
her heart. He opened his mouth to say something, but she spoke first. "Do not argue with me. You know I'm winning."Her hand was already glowing white and he sighed in defeat and let her work. She grimaced slightly and he knew it was hurting her, but he felt amazing as usual – it made him feel guilty. After a while though, her frown disappeared and her face softened. She looked into his eyes and he stared at her in awe and absolute adoration as his bruise slowly disappeared to the warm, blissful sensation of her soothing magic. Garfield smiled tenderly at her and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear while she finished.They were aware of everyone's gazes on them and Raven's powers captured annoyance, jealousy, joy, affection, discomfort and curiosity pouring out of their friends. She didn't care though. He was all better now.
Just as it should be."It seems every time I see her, she's healing him." Conner pointed out."I know, right?" Damian said, having another sandwich. "The rest of us need to wait in line for a healing session like mere mortals. It's completely unfair.""Is it always that…intense?" Jinx smirked."No, that's just when she heals Garfield." Nightwing said pointedly. "I mean, the healing feels good, but
that…" He gestured to the pair on the couch. "That
weirdness,
that's just them.""What
weirdness?" The Changeling squeaked."The romantic deep stares into each other's eyes and playing with each other's hair not to mention all the sweetness that usually follows which often leads to you two kissing, making us all feel like we're prying into some big intimate moment. You know,
that
weirdness." Cyborg explained while eating a sandwich.Garfield and Raven blushed deeply."I'd love to learn what that healing feels like." Superboy tilted his head charmingly."You don't get hurt, Conner." The empath pointed out without looking away from the Changeling."Yeah." Garfield said, smiling at his girlfriend. Then he merrily turned to Conner. "Like you always say, you're
Superboy."Conner Kent rolled his eyes, never losing his cool."So…Rae, about that incognito spell…is there any chance you're still working on that?" Richard asked awkwardly. He knew she was close before Slade and the others captured her, but he hadn't asked her to get back into it when they got her back for obvious reasons, and then she was busy worrying about Eclipso after that, and then she was distracted with Garfield, so…"Yes, I've been working on it since we beat Darkseid. I think it works. Why?""You think or you're sure?" Nightwing asked cautiously.Raven raised an eyebrow. "I just said I think, didn't I?"Richard sighed. "We might need to go to LexCorp and investigate."The Changeling jumped to his feet. "Woah we're going to LexCorp!? That's
sick!""A disguise would be helpful." Nightwing told Raven.The empath sighed. "Alright. I'll make you look like someone who works there and the rest of us invisible. Except for Gar, he can just turn into a fly or something."Garfield pouted. "No fair, I wanna be invisible too!""You don't need it." Raven said blankly to her outraged boyfriend."You can make us invisible? Or make us look like someone else?" Jinx grinned wickedly."She can do
anything." Garfield stated proudly."Well, yes, but that would take an
insane
amount of magic, so no. I won't
actually
alter reality in this case. I'll just create an
illusion
where we look different to anyone else who sees us for a certain period of time." Raven explained calmly."Still wicked." Damian pointed out."Thank you.""So are we doing this or what?" Superboy stood up."Are you sure you should go, Conner? Given your…history
with him?" Raven frowned."Please, he's never there. And I'm totally over all of that."Raven raised an eyebrow because she could tell he was lying, but she figured he was right about the fact they probably wouldn't even run into Lex. "If you say so."The Titans flew to Metropolis and Dick swiftly abducted one of LexCorp's workers and took his identity card. Raven did her spell so now he looked like a middle-aged man in a LexCorp uniform to anyone other than them. Nightwing easily got in and they followed after him completely unseen, then the empath made him invisible as well and they scattered across the building to do some digging until Richard rang everyone to meet him and sent them his location. He tilted his head towards a security guard in front of a locked door to let them know it was important and headed to some secluded corner so they could talk without being heard."So, it turns out Lex
is
here." Nightwing announced intently.Conner immediately stiffened up."But to get through that door we'll need more than an identity card. We need that guy to open it. It's got a biometric security system." Dick concluded."We can't make him open the door by force. I mean, that would definitely draw attention." Damian pondered. "Unfortunately.""I can go in!" The Changeling grinned and raised his hand. He could definitely get small enough to go under the door."No." Dick said pointedly.The shapeshifter frowned. "Hey, trust me. I can do it!""It's not that. It's just; I don't want anyone to go in alone. It's too dangerous." Richard said quickly. In reality, he just didn't want
Garfield
to go in alone. He wasn't even sure why, but he didn't. "Raven, can you teleport us inside?""While keeping this spell going? It's too risky.""Then…can you make yourself visible but…different?" Nightwing raised an eyebrow at her."Yes…why…?""Go in there and seduce that guy." Richard said pointedly.Raven grunted tiredly and Garfield gasped."Why can't she make
Starfire
visible and different and then
she
can seduce him!?" The Changeling suggested, feeling more than a little annoyed.Dick seemed confused. "Kory doesn't have Raven's powers. How is she going to-""Oh, you meant with powers." Garfield said quietly."Of course he meant with powers." The empath rolled her eyes at her boyfriend then looked at Nightwing again. Manipulating emotions
was
easier than teleporting everyone to a room she had never been in before. It should come almost as naturally as reading emotions to her. She
could
do it. "I still don't like it. I told you I don't use this particular power.""I know, but we need it. I'm sorry. This is too important." Dick gave her an apologetic smile.Garfield frowned.
I mean, we don't NEED it. She doesn't want to do it. "Why can't I just go in alone?""I said no." Nightwing stated intently.The empath was a little confused by it and she'd rather he just let Garfield do it, but she could detect tension rising between the two boys and she didn't want them to fight, so she sighed. "It's okay, I can do it."Raven made herself as normal-looking and forgettable – but still reasonably attractive – as she could. Then she approached the security guard with her friends close behind her. Even though other people couldn't see them, she still could, and it made her extremely uncomfortable. At least Garfield was a fly and not hovering over her in human form for this.The sorcerer cleared her throat. "Excuse me?"The intimidating security guard looked up to see a girl he had never seen before. He narrowed his eyes. "Who the hell are
you?"Raven bit her lip. She had hoped maybe she could do this without bending his emotions – just with good old-fashioned manipulation and wit. But this guy was hostile. She really didn't want to use her powers like this. It made her feel like a villain. Not to mention it made Trigon proud, which she wasn't comfortable with. "I'm uh…Lex's niece.""Nasthalthia?
You're not Nasthalthia…" He furrowed his brows and picked up the phone, ready to trigger an alarm.Huh. It would have helped to know what SHE looked like. "No! I'm the other one." The empath said quickly. "Rachel. He doesn't talk about me, I'm a…a private person."The security guard eyed her suspiciously, considering if he should risk calling security on an actual Luthor, but the sorcerer could tell he wasn't buying it.Time to be a villain.
Raven locked eyes with him and softened her voice. "Anyway…" She stared deeply and intently into his eyes. Eye contact made it even easier for some reason.
Less hostility, more allegiance. "I need you to do something for me."He frowned in confusion and his face softened as he stared into her eyes. He knew what his job was, but he suddenly felt a strong urge to do whatever this stranger asked of him. There was an overwhelming sense of loyalty that wasn't there before, and the longer he stared into her eyes, the stronger it got. "I…what is it?"Raven leaned in and whispered. "Open this door for me, will you?"Wait, I can't do that. Can I?
"I…that's not…I
can't
open this door, you see? Not unless Lex himself tells me to."Fear me. Obey me. Serve me. Love me. "You want to please me, don't you? I
need
you to open this door. You're
going
to do it for me.
Now.""I-I…okay. Yes. Of course." The wide-eyed man said, urgently standing up and opening the door. "I'm sorry."Raven watched as her friends quickly rushed inside, looking back at her with either impressed or slightly scared looks on their faces. "That's okay. You can close it now. Thank you. Is there a laboratory here somewhere? I'd love to see it."Once they were inside, the Titans walked a narrow corridor and realized Lex wasn't alone when they started hearing voices coming from the room at the end."But why did you have to go and do business with my ex, Luthor?""Joker, I couldn't care less about your love life. They made a good offer, so I did business with them.""What about
our
business, man? Our
partnership." The Joker chuckled hysterically, gesturing between the two of them."The only thing we have in common is our enemies. And we will crush them. My business with the Sirens will test my latest invention." Lex smiled evilly. "Mind-control,
Arthur."The Joker's eyes sparkled with wicked joy and he laughed again."And I'll definitely need someone as insane as you to carry out the rest of my plan, don't worry." Luthor elaborated. "I can't just knock on the Hall of Justice's door and-ugh!"The Joker frowned in confusion when Lex stopped talking and began suffocating as if someone had an arm around his neck – but he saw no one around. When Luthor finally passed out and fell on the floor, the Joker heard voices."What the fuck, Conner?" Nightwing said."Change of plans." Superboy answered plainly.Arthur smiled wider and started looking around the room, speaking in an absolutely chilling and wicked voice. "I recognize your voice, Boy Wonder…it's been a long time…what kind of sorcery have you gotten involved with?"The Joker could fight, but he definitely couldn't fight both Nightwing and Robin coming at him when he couldn't see either of them. They easily took him down."You know, this is where your
no killing
rule stinks." Damian said, gesturing around to point out the favorable situation they were in.Garfield turned human again. "Man,
Lex
and
the Joker?" He said a little too cheerfully.Nightwing just raised an eyebrow at both of them then turned to Cyborg. "Erase the footage in those cameras." When the half-robot got started, Richard pulled out his communicator. "Raven? Where are you? We have a situation.""I found the venom Ivy used. All of it. The formula, the tests, the samples..." Raven answered into her communicator."Oh, great. Is there a discreet way to destroy that?" Richard asked her."Already done." The empath said surely. "So, what's wrong?""We might need to walk out of here with two prisoners.""Subtle." She said sarcastically.
Guess I'll have to teleport people after all.
"I'll be right there."Raven soon walked in with the security guard close behind her, wearing a hypnotized, dreamy look on his face. She turned to him. "Leave. Shut the door. And go to sleep."He nodded idiotically and left."Good job. Thank you." Nightwing said in a kind voice.Raven hugged herself and shivered. "I feel dirty." She frowned at the two unconscious villains on the floor. "The Joker, huh? What happened? Did the spell fail? Did they see you?""It did
not.
Conner just has daddy issues." Garfield pointed at Superboy.Raven sensed a lot of things emanating from Conner Kent while he stared down at the man responsible for his existence. Anger, regret, confusion, curiosity and…hurt. She frowned. "That doesn't matter. Let's just get out of here. I don't think we should be here when that guy wakes up from his nap and back to his senses."Superboy thought about taking them to the Justice League, but for some reason he preferred Titan Tower. Once they got there, interrogations started and naturally the Joker's nonsense answers and Luthor's intelligent remarks were driving Nightwing, Robin and Superboy crazy."Raven?" Conner huffed in annoyance, coming into the ops room after a while."Yeah?" The empath looked up from her spot on the kitchen counter where she was having tea and enjoying a much deserved break with her boyfriend."Dick said to tell you he knows you're tired and he's sorry but we might need you to look into Lex's mind. I know you destroyed his stuff in LexCorp but he has secret laboratories everywhere. We have to find those too." Conner said in a slightly distressed voice.Raven sighed heavily. Lex was highly intelligent. Penetrating his mind would be absolutely exhausting. "Fine. I'll do it, just give me time to rest."Superboy nodded silently and turned to leave."Conner?" Raven stopped him. "What is it?"He turned around slightly. "Do you…what do you sense in him? Is there
humanity
in him?"Her face immediately softened. "Yes, there is. There's affection too. The problem with Lex is the bad surpasses the good. His choices led up to it. You're not him though, you know?""I know." Conner said seriously, but then he shot her a half-smile. "Are you going to lecture me on how much worse your father is again?"Raven rolled her eyes. "You had that coming.""I did, that's fair." Superboy chuckled. Then he glanced at the Changeling and realized he had never properly apologized. "Sorry about that, by the way.""No problem." Garfield said through gritted teeth.Raven had sensed it already. He was fuming. This entire interaction was making him insanely jealous. But she wasn't going to be mean to Conner just because her boyfriend was insecure, not when he wasn't even hitting on her for once."And…could you, uh…I mean, theoretically, could you…fix him?" Superboy asked her. When she just frowned, he decided to explain. "I mean, could you make him…better? Like, take away his excessive greed and ambition? You can do that, right? At the Hall of Justice you sa-""In theory, yes, I could. But, Conner…" Raven struggled to find the words. "I can't go around altering people at will. That would be playing God."He put his hands in his pockets and nodded. "Yeah, I know. Totally."She offered him a sympathetic smile and immediately felt heartache emanating from Garfield, so as soon as Superboy left again, the empath turned to her boyfriend. "Would you relax?"Beast Boy just mumbled something in a grumpy voice.Raven rolled her eyes. "He didn't do anything wrong for once. Neither did I.""I know." He muttered.
No, it's so much worse. He was being charming and genuine and vulnerable and you were connecting with him. You'll fall in love with him and forget me.She sighed and wondered if she should reassure him or not. She didn't want to indulge excessive jealousy, but she had planned on spending time with him today. Besides, he was feeling miserable and she hated that. Raven playfully nudged him and whispered. "Hey, Gar? Are you jealous of Superboy?" She leaned closer to him and smiled slightly. "Mm? Are you?"She was being cute and the Changeling couldn't avoid the small smile that made its way to his lips, so he looked away from her to hide it. "You know I am."Raven continued whispering in that same playful voice. "Well, that's silly. He's not my type."Garfield huffed bitterly. "He's
everyone's
type.""Maybe
you
should date him, then."He hopelessly tried to fight back a chuckle. "Stop being cute. I'm serious."She sighed dramatically. "This is what I get for being friendly. I can't do
anything
right."The Changeling smiled and rolled his eyes. "I didn't say that. It just seemed like you shared a moment and I freaked out, okay?"Raven rested her chin on his shoulder. "A
friendly
moment. I told you, he's not my type."She's leaning on you. Stop being stupid and kiss her.
Garfield ignored his more sensible thoughts and scoffed instead. "Really? What
is
your type? Circus freaks?""Mmhmm. Cute circus freaks." The empath whispered sweetly. "I
prefer
them green."The smile on his lips grew wider and he caved, turning his head to look at her kind face on his shoulder. His heart immediately swelled with love. "Really?""Did I not tell you you're the only one I've ever desired?""That was bedroom talk.""It also happened to be true.""And if he's not a jerk anymore, won't that change?" Garfield frowned, finally telling her what he was really afraid of."Of course not. I like
you,
dork." She straightened up and sweetly pressed her lips against his.And just like that, all the heartache was gone and he gratefully kissed her back. They stopped and pulled away hastily when she sensed it and he heard and sniffed it – someone was about to walk in."Are you lost?" Raven asked Lex Luthor in a cold voice as he stepped into the ops room.The villain smirked, looking around. "Nice tower. A bit juvenile, but…" He turned to them and his eyes sparkled. He moved closer, slowly examining Garfield and looking him up and down, making him extremely uncomfortable. "Ah…the mutant shapeshifter. You know…the things that I could do…" He absentmindedly lifted an arm, reaching out in the Changeling's direction. "…with your DNA…""Back. Off." Raven hissed menacingly.Lex stopped and his hand hovered in the air and then fell to his side, because she was glaring at him, daring him to take one more step. He hesitated, looking between them.Raven's glare intensified and her voice became more dangerous. "Lay a
finger
on him and
die."Garfield
loved
that. "You heard her." The shapeshifter grinned smugly and folded his arms behind his head, leaning back on the counter. "Lay a finger on me and
die."Luthor looked between the two of them again and collected himself. "Ah, yes. The demon bodyguard." He stared directly at Raven with an evil smirk. "It looks like
someone
succeeded where Slade failed." He quickly glanced at Garfield at the word
someone. Lex noticed her tense up and clench her jaw. He'd definitely hit a nerve. "I suppose love
is
more effective than pain when trying to
tame
someone."Raven's face had hardened considerably. She was still glaring at him and there was no weakness in her eyes, but she was a little taken aback by that. To most people, it seemed like Raven held all the cards in the relationship. Garfield was so open and loud about how much he loved and worshipped her while she hadn't even said the words
I love you
to him. He was always the one chasing her and he was constantly apologizing for every little thing – even when she didn't want him to – because he was just terrified of losing her.But she knew the truth. She finally understood why she couldn't deny him back when Terra got her memories back and left and why she went to such lengths for him even then. She would do
anything
to make this green boy happy because she was entirely and hopelessly
devoted
to him. The vulnerable position that put her in was unsettling, but not painful, because she really did trust him. Still, most people had no idea. Lex Luthor however apparently saw right through her. Fortunately, she didn't have to think of a comeback, because a second or two after he was done talking, he was on the floor under a giant – and very angry – Werebeast. The villain's eyes widened in fear and the empath relaxed and smiled.Garfield turned human again and grabbed Lex's shirt, lifting his torso from the floor. He was seeing red. "What did you just say to her!?""What do you know about
love,
Luthor?" Raven said smugly from her seat on the counter."I know it can get you killed." Lex said wickedly, staring at the Changeling. He had been scared just a second ago, but now he was just mesmerized by the possibilities at hand. Deathstroke may have set out for an impossible task trying to bend the witch, but maybe bending the shapeshifter would be much simpler. There were such infinite possibilities for what to do with someone like him – not to mention that based on what he'd just witnessed, whoever controlled him would control her too. He just needed to figure out how to get to
him."Gar, get away from him." Raven said urgently at the same time the others ran in, because they'd heard all the commotion. "I don't like the way he's looking at you."The Changeling punched him once before letting him go and going back to Raven's side."Cut the crap, Lex. Just tell us what we want to know." Conner said impatiently, crossing his arms over his chest. He was so irritated he forgot all about making Raven and Garfield uncomfortable by reminding them that waiting for him to leave the room to talk about him was useless, because he had Kryptonian ears.The villain smiled. "You can't stop me. None of you can." He looked at Superboy. "But
you
could join me. Together we would be unstoppable. Stop fighting who you are.""I'm
nothing
like you." Conner hissed."You are literally made
from
me, boy!" Lex raised his voice."Fuck that. I
choose
not to be like you." Superboy stepped away from him so he wouldn't punch him and accidentally kill him."Wrong choice. I hold the key to absolute control. Soon I'll control
everything."Krypto roared dangerously at Luthor, standing in front of Conner. The Joker's chilling laughter echoed from the other room."If you mean your mind-control venom, I'm about to kill those plans." Raven said pointedly, standing up and smiling down at him in the most menacing way. "Time to look through that brain of yours."She smiled wider when she detected fear in him.Garfield frowned. "Rae, shouldn't you rest for a bit bef-""I'm ready." The empath stated decisively.Now Lex Luthor was downright
angry
– and worried. If she did look, she
would
ruin all his plans. He glared at her. "Now I'm
really
turning your boyfriend into a lab rat."He shouldn't have said that. Garfield barely had time to worry, because Raven's eyes glowed white and the ops room's temperature dropped significantly while Lex was involved by dark energy shooting electrifying blasts of sharp pain through his entire body and feeding on all his positive emotions and memories. He screamed."What did I tell you?" Raven took slow steps towards him, walking on air."I-I'm sorry!" Lex managed to blurt out through the pain.She released him and he collapsed on the floor, panting heavily and holding onto his chest. The temperature went back to normal and the lights stopped flickering. Raven's eyes were back to violet and she made Lex Luthor look up at her. The Joker was laughing hysterically again."If I even see you
look at him
again you will
join Slade
in his exile. Understood?" The sorcerer threatened him.Several eyes glanced at the Changeling, only to see a smirk on his lips and a dangerous spark in his eyes as he watched her intently.Lex Luthor's eyes widened slightly. "So it's true, then. He
is
in the Phantom Zone.""Oh, it's true." Raven hissed.The villain turned to Conner. "You wouldn't let her do this to me, would you, son?"Superboy walked up to them, glaring at Lex. "Don't call me that. Go on, Raven. Pry into his brain."Nightwing folded his arms and nodded at her when she looked at him for confirmation.The empath's eyes glowed white again. "With pleasure."Conner held him down and she entered his genius mind. He put up a lot of barriers and he fought her, but ultimately she overtook him. By the time she was done, Lex was livid and scared, feeling absolutely invaded, cursing and threatening. Raven on the other hand, was completely exhausted. She felt her body limp and her mind hazy and she thought she would fall to the floor, but then Garfield caught her. He looked at her with concerned eyes and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulder. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to her room without another word to anyone.Several hours later, Raven woke up on her bed. Someone had taken her shoes off and covered her and then later, placed a mug of warm tea on her bedside table.
Garfield. Her heart warmed up. She gratefully picked up the mug and sipped the tea, sitting up. She felt much better. When she stepped outside, everyone greeted her expectantly. The Changeling beamed at her. They were all eager to know, because Lex had obviously been lying about it and telling them she saw nothing, but then Raven gave Starfire the locations to all secret laboratories that needed attention and the Tamaranean was more than happy to go wreck everything with the assistance of Kid Flash's super-speed. Within minutes, everything was destroyed except for the evidence they made sure to collect.Koriand'r flew back in looking as magnificent and cheerful as ever. "Done!"Superboy admired her and decided to take advantage of the fact Nightwing and Robin were in a different room with their prisoners. "So, tell me what you saw in Richard again?"Starfire rolled her eyes and ignored him. Sure, Conner was cute and charming and they had a lot in common, but he wasn't Nightwing. As far as she was concerned, Nightwing was
perfect."Dude, this is why your only friend is a dog." Cyborg said casually. When Krypto barked, he quickly added. "No offense, Krypto, you're a great friend and he doesn't deserve you."The alien dog seemed satisfied and went back to flying around with Salem on his back."I don't need any other friends." Superboy shrugged."If you say so." Raven said pointedly, giving him a meaningful look that let him know she knew he was lying.Conner felt caught under her stare and he sat up straight."Maybe just stop hitting on other people's girlfriends. That would be a start." Wally suggested in an annoyed voice.Cyborg refrained from making a comment about how rich that was coming from him."Yes, it would." Garfield agreed, equally annoyed.Conner chuckled. "I haven't even flirted. You'll all
know
when I'm flirting."The Changeling opened his mouth to say something, but Nightwing and Robin came back in."So…what are you gonna do about those two?" Superboy raised an eyebrow at them."Well, I thought maybe we could hand Lex and what we have on him to Clark. It should be enough to convict him. But the Joker…" Richard's voice trailed off."Arkham Asylum doesn't really affect him. Nothing does. He'll just escape again and he'll never change." Damian said pointedly."Right. So…what are you two suggesting? That we kill him?" Superboy frowned. "Look, I know you have history with him…""No, of course not." Nightwing quickly said while Damian grumpily muttered something under his breath. Richard turned to Raven. "I hate to ask one more thing from you, but we thought maybe you could…you know."The empath frowned in confusion. "What?""Make him normal." Damian blurted out. "All he wants is chaos. So maybe you could go inside him and…you know,
organize
shit.""Yeah, you don't need to change him, just…you know, cure the crazy." Dick explained. "He'll definitely still be evil, but at least he'll be more predictable and easier to reason with. Or we could at least put him in jail for good."Raven inhaled sharply. "You want me to make
The Joker
sane?""I mean, that
is
a good idea." Kid Flash pondered.Conner frowned at Raven. He was mostly intrigued at this point. "You can do that?"Garfield huffed proudly. "Please. She can do an-""Anything. We
know." Nightwing, Robin, Kid Flash, Jinx, Cyborg and Starfire said in unison and in an utterly annoyed tone.Raven raised an eyebrow at her boyfriend, who just chuckled sheepishly. He hadn't meant to annoy anyone; he just really liked bragging about her."So, I guess that's settled." Nightwing exhaled. "Once she's done maybe we ca-""I'm not doing it." Raven said quietly, staring at the floor and folding her arms.Everyone exchanged confused looks and Richard frowned at her. "You're not doing it? May I know
why?"Raven looked up confidently. "He is
insane.
He's so broken even the surface is chaotic. The bit I sense from him without even trying is enough to hurt me. I
don't want
to go inside his
mind.""You don't have to." Garfield whispered quickly, feeling a sudden urge to protect her.Nightwing felt a little guilty. "Oh…right. I mean, obviously I understand that. But…could you try? And then if it's too much you can stop. I mean, it's just such a unique opportunity to prevent him from killing more people. If he fears for his life like a sane person, he'll be more cautious and th-""Sure,
Raven will do it!" The sorcerer raised her voice slightly, startling her friends. She was tired and she could feel another small outburst coming. "Why not? Hey, we took down a building by accident but don't worry, get Raven she'll fix it. Hey, we need to go somewhere and we're late, get Raven she'll teleport us. Hey, we forgot to buy popcorn this week, get Raven to conjure some for us. Hey, our prisoner won't talk, get Raven to look through his brain. Hey, we captured a psycho and we can't just let him loose, but no worries let's get Raven to dive into his
disturbed
mind and attempt to
heal
it!""Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" Dick brought his hands up in surrender.Raven stopped to look at her friends, who were staring at her with wide apologetic eyes, except for Garfield – he was staring at the floor. Starfire lightly squeezed her hand."I'm sorry." Richard repeated truthfully. "Forget I asked. You really don't have to."Raven could sense guilt and shame from nearly everyone and she softened up. "I just…I
really
don't want to.""No, you're right." Damian said. "We cut too many corners with magic.""Yeah, besides, if you absorbed his crazy and it messed you up, we'd have an even bigger Trigon-related problem. It was a
terrible
idea." Richard said kindly.Raven closed her eyes and sighed heavily. She was relieved, because she really didn't want to go near the Joker, but she also knew Dick was right. It would make him less dangerous. "Ugh." The empath opened her eyes again and started walking to the room they were keeping him in. "I'll see what I can do."Garfield stopped her by grasping her arm and whispered. "Don't.""Raven, he's right. I wasn't thinking." Nightwing said. Now that he thought about it, overwhelming Trigon's daughter with insanity didn't sound that smart."I won't let him mess me up. I'll stop before that." The sorcerer said confidently."No, but…it will hurt you." The Changeling whispered again, still holding her arm."Why don't I help?" Jinx suggested. "I'll weaken him so he can't hurt her too badly."Nightwing shot the enchantress a surprised and grateful look. Wally and Victor smiled at her."What? I can be nice." Jinx shrugged.
I also want to participate if we're taking the Joker down."Thanks, Jinx. That's a good idea." Raven said quietly. "See? I'll be fine. Let me go, Gar."Never.
"No, you've done enough. Why do you always have t-"The intruder's alarm went off and the Changeling had never felt more grateful for it. Poison Ivy, Catwoman and Ravager were in the ops room in no time, followed by a few other memorable Jump City villains like Mambo and the HIVE. Gizmo had managed to find a new way inside the tower, apparently. It happened awfully fast. They caught the Titans by surprise and did enough to keep them busy and in the room for a few seconds before escaping. When Kid Flash went to check on the prisoners, they were gone. Raven was secretly relieved for not having to choose between healing the Joker and disappointing everyone."Harley definitely got them out." Richard said seriously, sighing in frustration."See? It's not that easy to catch these Sirens chicks." Cyborg pointed out to Superboy. "We didn't capture anyone this time either and
you
are here."Conner rolled his eyes and folded his arms."We got
someone." Robin's strangled, tired voice sounded from behind the couch.Nightwing immediately ran to him to see he'd managed to pin Rose Wilson to the floor. She had been getting the best of Damian for a while now, so Dick felt rather proud of his little brother. "Good job, Robin."They disarmed her and pulled her to her feet so Starfire could cuff her hands.Ravager just smirked, never losing her confidence. "Hey, Raven.""Hey, Rose." The empath smiled slightly. She was optimistic about this. Now that Rose was here, maybe they could get through to her."Looks like the tables have turned, huh?" Ravager smiled smugly at her former friend."Good for you we're not like your father." Raven said pointedly.The sorcerer also noticed Damian staring intently at their new prisoner. There was
something
about those two and it made her smile internally.Ravager chuckled and looked around. This tacky tower was pretty cozy.
Who pays for all this shit?
"Do I get a bed and three meals a day?""Why are you helping these people?" Raven asked softly."Why do you think?" Rose Wilson smirked again. "Money.""How do they know each other again?" Superboy whispered to Starfire, but it was loud enough for everyone to listen.Rose smiled. "Oh, I've seen Raven at her
worst." She turned to her. "Haven't I?""Certainly." The empath said plainly."Did you tell them about the time you begged me to kill you?" Rose said mischieviously.Raven felt worry and sorrow pouring out of her friends in overwhelming waves. She could feel their eyes on her too. She didn't look away from Rose, though – she certainly didn't want to see the hurt in Garfield's eyes. "I did not, but I'm sure you'll do me the favor of filling them in." She said sarcastically. Then she cleared her throat and turned to Conner. "It was Rose's job to make sure I didn't die while Slade and the others tried to enslave me.""That's right, and Raven got rid of my oppressive father for me. So you see, we're tight." Ravager joked, completely unbothered by her current situation.The empath rolled her eyes and sighed. "She's also the reason I'm here now. She told the others where to find me."Superboy nodded. "Ah, I see.""That's right I did, and now
where
is the gratitude!?" Ravager faked outrage.Raven allowed an amused half-smile to find its way to her lips. "Rose, you can't just go around committing crimes and doing whatever you want and expect us to look away.""Maybe not, but I
am
the reason you're alive so I expect the VIP treatment while I'm here." Ravager's mischievous grin was back."You'll get it, don't worry." Nightwing said tiredly, making her sit down. "Hungry?""Starving. Do you have pizza?" Rose asked breezily. Then she suddenly noticed the Changeling and Raven were holding hands and she raised an eyebrow at them. "Oh, that's right.
That's
progressed." She chuckled wickedly. "She sure said your name
a lot
in the bunker,
Gar."Garfield's eyes widened with interest and he smiled involuntarily. "Yeah!?"Raven sighed and rubbed her temples."Why didn't you, Ravager?" Damian blurted out from where he was still watching Rose."Why didn't I what?" Slade's daughter asked, taking a bite of a slice of pizza."Why didn't you kill Raven when she asked you?" The young Robin clarified.Rose shrugged. "If she died, my father would kill me. If she lived, she could kill him for me."Raven shot Rose a discreet and meaningful smile to secretly let her know she was aware that wasn't the
only
reason she'd decided to help her.

Wonderwall (Oasis)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The morning after the night they'd captured Rose, Raven slowly approached the team leader on the roof as he silently gazed at the city they protected."Hey, Boy Wonder. Can I join you?"Richard turned to his friend and nodded. They both tended to need these solitude moments more often than the others. Raven joined him and sat down on the edge, so he sat down too.After a few minutes of comfortable silence, he spoke up in a playful tone. "Where's Gar? I thought he'd come looking for you by now."Raven chuckled ever so lightly. "Probably sleeping in."Dick nodded slowly. "Listen…I'm sorry I've been pushing you. After everything that…well, you deserve a break. And I keep coming up with a more challenging task on every corner; I know it's not fair. It's just that…you're kind of my MVP, you know? But…that's no excuse."Raven inhaled. She had a feeling there was more to why Richard had been demanding so much of her lately. "I want to help, you know that. I just…magic is tricky.""I know." He smiled at her."If you're worried about…if this is about Gar, I haven't been spending magic on him. I promise. He barely even lets me heal him anymore."Nightwing
had
been worried about that. Maybe that's why he'd been pushing her – to make sure she didn't waste her powers on whims. "Good."She watched him carefully as he stared out into the city. She also noticed Salem had followed her to the roof so she pulled her kitten to her lap. "You don't love it, do you? Me and Gar."Busted.
Nightwing frowned apologetically. "I…I'm sorry. I want to be supportive, I do. I just…I worry. He has you wrapped around his finger." He raised a hand when she opened her mouth. "Don't bother denying it. He does, and he doesn't have the maturity that should go with it."It was her turn to stare out into the city. Apparently Lex Luthor wasn't the only one who could see through her chill persona. Salem nuzzled her stomach to comfort her. "I wasn't going to deny it." She said quietly. "I was just going to say…" She shot Dick a playful stare. "Watch it."He smiled. "Sorry. I could have worded that different. I just worry about him hurting you."Raven chuckled a little louder. "You're the only one. Everyone else is holding their breath waiting for
me
to break
his
heart."Nightwing sustained his smile. "No, I don't think you will."Meanwhile, everyone else – except for Garfield, who
was
in fact sleeping in – was in the ops room having breakfast. Jinx, Wally and Conner had stayed the night. Bumblebee joined them in the morning and expected to stay for a day or two. Allegedly, it was to help them figure out what Gotham Sirens wanted with Jump City, but Cyborg was definitely a factor. Superboy had already hit on her, and Victor was already jealous."So…" Rose Wilson lazily stretched her arms. "Last night as I got out of this surprisingly uncomfortable couch to go find a toilet, I heard the weirdest thing when I passed by Raven's room." She turned to Conner. "You
must have heard it too."Superboy chuckled. "Certainly.""What are you talking about?" Robin narrowed his eyes."Raven and Beasty were all over each other. It got a little freaky." Conner smirked. "And then she realized I could probably hear them and they stopped."Jinx immediately sat down, grinning widely. "Freaky as in…?""As in
kinky." Ravager's smile grew. "Can I have some coffee or what?"Damian poured her some coffee and raised an eyebrow. "Kinky?""Yeah, they got flustered over being all
protective
of each other yesterday." Superboy drank his coffee. "Then they got possessive. Kinda hot, really. I thought they'd be all sweet, but…"Cyborg wasn't entirely comfortable with discussing this, but curiosity was getting the best of him and he failed to change the subject. "Are you sure? They're
always
really protective of each other; that's normal.""Well, maybe they're
always
kinky as well." Ravager chuckled."I don't think so." Bumblebee said.Jinx narrowed her eyes. "I kinda see it…"Victor shook his head. "There's no way.""Well, Doomsday I can see. She's dark. But Garfield?" Damian said skeptically.Kid Flash rolled his eyes. "Guys,
obviously
they're freaky.""You've been awfully silent..." Cyborg narrowed his eyes at Starfire, who was sipping coffee and trying to look innocent."It's because she knows." Damian smirked.Kory smiled sweetly. "Of course I know; I'm Rae's best friend."That admission was followed by a whole lot of commotion."All right, everyone place your bets." Jinx grinned wickedly. "Kitchen side of the counter if you think yesterday was out of the ordinary for them. Ops room side if you think they get freaky on a regular basis. Loser side does the dishes.""I don't feel comfortable with this." Victor stated plainly."Too bad. Move." Ravager said, moving to the ops room side of the counter.Cyborg sighed and went to the kitchen side along with Bumblebee and Superboy. Victor and Karen exchanged a look and a smile as he passed her some pancakes. Damian took the longest to decide, but eventually he joined Jinx, Kid Flash and Ravager in the ops room side. He had learned not to underestimate Garfield by now."Well?" Jinx raised her eyebrows at Starfire, who was still innocently sipping coffee. "Do they get freaky and kinky on a regular basis?"Koriand'r looked at her friends. She didn't need to gossip or give them too much information. Only what she knew Raven wouldn't mind. She shrugged nonchalantly. "They might."Kid Flash, Jinx and Damian Wayne celebrated. Ravager just smirked – she wasn't going to do the dishes with her hands cuffed anyway, but she still liked to win. Cyborg, Bumblebee and Superboy grunted in frustration.Victor narrowed his eyes at Wally. "Why did
you
say it was obvious?""Dude." Kid Flash shrugged light-heartedly. "She's half-demon and he's got animal DNA. Of
course
they're freaky."Everyone was silent for a second taking in what he'd just said before bursting into laughter. Conner thought to himself that if Raven was intriguing before, now he was even
more
interested. He made a mental note to be there if the Changeling and her ever broke up."What's so funny?" Garfield yawned, coming into the ops room. His ears had captured all the laughter from his room, but not what caused it. "Also, where's Raven?"That made them laugh louder. The shapeshifter frowned, feeling rather confused."Why? Is someone's leash too short to be in separate rooms?" Ravager teased.The Changeling rolled his eyes, completely unbothered. This kind of joke had nothing on him when he remembered the way Raven looked at him and touched him. "Very funny. By the way, Rose…I didn't get a chance to properly thank you yet. You know, for telling us your father's hideout."
For giving me my whole world back. It didn't matter if she was a criminal, she'd gotten Raven home. He would always be grateful. "Can we talk?"Ravager frowned, slightly surprised. She wasn't used to gratitude. "Sure…"And then suddenly, the whole tower was gone. And they were all in a dark room."What's going on?" Nightwing's alarmed voice turned everyone's attention to him."Dick!" Starfire ran to him and hugged him. "What happened?""Raven!" Garfield realized she was beside Richard and ran to hug her."I don't know. We were on the roof and then suddenly…here. You?" Nightwing frowned."Same. We were in the ops room." Robin answered seriously.Then a familiar laugh sounded in the darkness. "Time for some entertainment!"The original Titans knew exactly who this was. Jinx and Kid Flash thought they might know too. They all grunted and sighed tiredly. They also found out that even though they still had their powers, it was impossible to leave. There was no way out and the walls wouldn't cave with physical strength or blasts of energy, and if Raven tried to teleport or phase through them, she always ended up back in the same place. Wally couldn't phase through the walls either."What does this loser want
now?" The empath intently rolled her eyes."Who?" Superboy raised an eyebrow."Control Freak." Nightwing said pointedly.Conner, Rose and Damian all exchanged quizzical looks.Superboy spoke first. "Again,
who?""Just for that, you're going first." Control Freak's voice said surely.And then Conner and Krypto were gone. And several screens appeared in the dark room, showing them in what they eventually recognized as the setting of
The Art of Racing in the Rain. As in, they were
inside
the movie,
as
the main characters. Their communicators were still working and the Titans tried to help them find a way out, but the scene just kept resetting before they got anywhere. The worst part was, every time they went back to the start, everyone in the dark room was struck by a crushing blast of agonizing pain and fell down screaming. The pain started to make them angry after a while, but fortunately Nightwing could still think straight."Conner?" Dick spoke into his communicator."Nightwing, I'm trying here. I really am. I don't know what else to do. Am I going to be stuck here forever? Tell this villain of yours I have a life.""I think it resets when you go off script too much…" Dick said calmly. "Try doing what the characters do. Let's see if anything changes.""I don't
know
what they do, I've never watched it.""You
should!" Garfield immediately snatched the communicator out of Nightwing's hand. "It's actually super sweet and awesome. Alright, I got you. Do what I say. Both of you."And that was it. Once they somewhat followed the script, they were suddenly in an entirely different scene. Raven smiled slightly at Garfield as he enthusiastically instructed them scene by scene with admirable precision. Everyone sighed in relief. At least the pain was over."Okay, that will buy us some time." Richard said. "Raven, can you sense Control Freak?"Raven frowned and looked around. "No…but…" She manipulated the shadows in the room and sure enough, there were hidden doors. "I'm sure he's here
somewhere.""Hey, hold on a second!" Ravager exclaimed, narrowing her eyes at Nightwing. "You're Richard Grayson, aren't you? Does that mean…holy shit,
Bruce Wayne
is
Batman!"Everyone held their breaths while she chuckled in wicked euphoria.Dick grimaced.
Shit.
He had been afraid of this since he realized he'd been brought here unmasked, which is why he'd been avoiding her gaze. But apparently, she was just as sharp as Slade. "You're delirious. Can we focus on finding a way out of here, please?""Sure, you do that." Rose said breezily, fully aware she was
not
delirious, but very right about this. She turned to Robin. "So you're…your name is Damian
Wayne?
What are you even so angry about all the time? Aren't you like, filthy rich?"Damian grunted under his breath and walked away from her."Don't worry; I'll make her forget this part later." Raven whispered to Dick, who smiled gratefully at her in return.The hidden doors led to
more
dark rooms with screens on the walls. Nightwing, Raven, Bumblebee, Robin, Jinx and Starfire started exploring and looking for a way out or the villain responsible. Cyborg and Changeling helped Conner and Krypto until they were back in the dark room with them. Superboy was livid. He did
not
enjoy being forced to do things. He didn't enjoy being forced to get emotional. And he
certainly
didn't enjoy losing."I'm going to destroy this creep." Conner hissed angrily once he was back. Krypto barked in agreement, also annoyed.Garfield was about to say he could at least spare the time to thank him, but then Cyborg suddenly disappeared and he yelped. The shapeshifter stared at the screens and realized Victor and Karen had been sucked in as the leads of
AVATAR."Oh. Well, he doesn't need help with
that. Everyone's seen that one." Garfield said pointedly, moving to go help the others find a way out.Cyborg nearly cried at the sensation of having an organic body again. The Changeling's heart tightened for his friend, because he knew this would make him miss it all over again. He was also holding his breath because it looked like when someone got hurt in there, it was very real. Raven squeezed his hand and he realized he'd stopped helping to watch."Sorry. It's just…" Garfield wiped his eyes and sniffled quietly."This whole thing seemed fun at first, but now you realized it can be cruel." Raven said kindly. "They'll be okay. They're tough."The shapeshifter nodded sadly. "What do you think
I'll
be in? I mean…""Let's not find out. I certainly don't want to have to do anything silly."Garfield chuckled slightly. Then he glanced at the romantic scene on screen. "Well, at least
that
should break the ice between them…"Raven rolled her eyes. "That's not how…" She trailed off, narrowing her eyes. "Guys? I can sense him now. He's around here somewhere…"When Cyborg and Bumblebee came back, blushing deeply and coyly looking away from each other, Jinx and Kid Flash were sucked in for a few cute scenes of
Bewitched. Thankfully, Wally was familiar with it."Hey man, are you okay?" Garfield asked Cyborg in a soft voice when he noticed him frowning down at his robotic body."Not really, BB." Victor sighed and looked into his best friend's sad eyes. "But…I will be. When we catch Control Freak."The rooms were beginning to change, so it became much harder to travel through them. It was starting to remind them of Mad Mod's wicked school.Damian grunted loudly. "Can we just fight Darkseid again? This is the
worst!""You could help, you know?" Raven raised an eyebrow at Rose Wilson, who had been laying back and enjoying watching their embarrassment."Why would I?" Ravager grinned breezily. "I kinda like this guy. This is amusing.""How about because you might be next?" Nightwing pointed out.Rose chuckled, folding her arms behind her head. "I don't think so. This is
your
fanboy. He probably hasn't even noticed I'm here."Unfortunately for her, he
had
noticed, and Rose Wilson and Damian Wayne were sucked into what was clearly an American high-school. Neither of them had any idea what movie this was. Fortunately, someone did."Guys? Don't freak out, but…you're in a rom-com." Garfield was clearly trying to hide his own amusement when he spoke into the communicator."You're fucking kidding me." Rose said blankly.It was
10 Things I Hate About You
and they both resisted immensely, making everyone else experience excruciating pain again.Starfire picked up her communicator. "Listen to me, both of you. You will do the growing up
right now. You need to play along so we can figure this out. If we're all falling down in pain, we can't do anything. There's a
dog
in pain here. Get over yourselves and do it."Ravager and Robin stared at each other awkwardly.Raven pulled out her own communicator. "Listen, I know this sucks, but if you don't get over it you better hope Control Freak kills me, because otherwise I'll
personally
punish you."Rose grunted and leaned her head back. Then she cursed under her breath and nodded.Damian sighed. "Fine. Talk to me, Garfield.""Great! Don't worry, both main characters are super grumpy and kind of rude, it fits you perfectly." The Changeling cheerfully spoke into his communicator.Then Ravager and Robin went through a living nightmare acting poorly in the cute romantic movie neither of them had ever watched. There may have even been a spark or two, but that only made it even
more
embarrassing. Something happened when they had to kiss, though. After putting their friends through misery by refusing to do it several times, when they finally did they felt this weird feeling in their gut and this even weirder feeling in their chest. They were both absolutely
mortified
by the time they got pulled back.
And
absolutely furious.Rose Wilson's eyes were decisive and fierce when she joined the others in exploring the secret doors. "Now I'm
definitely
getting this loser.""How did he even
do
this!?" Dick scratched his head and frowned.Raven opened her mouth to speak, but instantly started to vanish.
Guess it's my turn. Then suddenly, she was driving a car with a blond boy on the passenger seat while someone kept piercing the roof with a sword. It was chaotic and dangerous. They had realized by now that whatever happened to them in this TV-land was real, at least to some extent. When they got hurt, it actually
hurt
– and the wounds didn't just disappear when they got pulled back out. They didn't know what would happen if someone got killed inside, but they weren't eager to find out."Where are we!?"Raven immediately frowned and turned her head to the boy beside her when he squeaked the question. She would recognize that voice anywhere. He looked different. He looked normal. His hair was strawberry-blond and messy; there were light freckles on his face and no unusual features whatsoever. But those eyes – green and wide and staring at her expectantly. "Garfield!?""Well, yeah, who else would I b-AHH!" The shapeshifter yelped when he glanced at his own hands and realized the color green was gone. "What the fuck!"Raven noticed the Changeling was freaking out, so she tried to think.
This is familiar. She glanced at her leather clothes and it hit her. The empath ran her tongue over her teeth for confirmation. Maybe he didn't have fangs at the moment, but she certainly did."Gar, listen to me. We know this. We watched this together. There's a Lycan on the roof."The Changeling only frowned for a second before his eyes widened with realization. "We're in
Underworld."The sword pierced Raven's shoulder and she screamed in pain. Garfield's eyes filled with terror, especially when he realized he couldn't shapeshift. She hit the brakes, dropping Lucian from the roof and then running over him."That's right. Gar?" She glanced at him to see he was looking a little desperate, staring at all the blood she was losing. "Hey, stay with me. We got this. I'm going to pass out and then you'll shoot the window and get us out of the water. Remember?"She needs you, snap out of it.
Garfield quickly nodded. "Yeah, I do. We got this."Raven's sight got blurry. "I'm glad you're here…" She said quietly before passing out.When she woke up, they were both completely wet and her shoulder was patched. Garfield was in bad shape, though.
Right, he's supposed to have been bitten. She looked at him and frowned, remembering the rest of the movie and dreading how much he was going to suffer.Next thing she knew, they were in an empty building. The empath looked around and whispered. "It's the interrogation room scene…""Yup."They followed the script, but it was impossible not to break character a little. Garfield watched her while she looked out the window and they did the dialogue as faithfully as they remembered. She was wearing Selene's clothes and they hugged her body in the most enticing way. Also, she had fangs and he was kind of into it. "So…what now?""This is the part where I go…""What about
me!?" The Changeling went back to delivering Michael's lines, whining theatrically."I'll be back in the morning.""No, I'm not staying here alone." Garfield held onto her arm and stared into her eyes. "I want to go with
you."Raven took a sudden intake of breath.
He actually meant that. She stepped closer to him. They both knew what was coming and Garfield was clearly fighting back a smile. She closed the distance between them and they kissed softly. Then she lingered for a bit and deepened the kiss. Control Freak probably wouldn't mind that – Garfield was hurt and bleeding and she wanted to kiss him. She still remembered to put the handcuffs on him while she did. He smirked against her lips."I really don't want to leave you here." The empath whispered in his ear.He smiled and whispered back. "You have to, love. By the way, you look really sexy."Raven smiled slightly and rolled her eyes. "You look cute, but I still prefer the green version."Garfield's stomach fluttered. He had been afraid to ask her about it. Raven was brutally honest and she wouldn't lie for the sake of romance like most people. But now she'd said it. His smile grew wider and brighter and his eyes glistened. "Thank you."She squeezed his hand and reluctantly left him there. The sorcerer was getting nervous about what else they would have to do. Michael was in danger way too many times in that movie. When she saw him again, they were attacked as expected and he jumped out the window. She noticed her powers didn't work properly in here, but her aim and physical skills had definitely improved – which was good, because she needed to shoot
a lot
of…people? Creatures? Holograms? Pixels? Whatever these things were. But she watched the car take him away hoping the scene would end, because she remembered how painful Michael's transformation was. It didn't. And her heart ached.
I'm going to murder that nerd.Meanwhile, Starfire frowned at the screen while Garfield screamed in pain and she flinched at the grim transformation in front of her. "What is this movie again?"Cyborg had looked away as soon as it started. "She's a vampire. He's a werewolf. Their clans are at war. And there's a whole thing about him being some guy's descendent and that's why the werewolves want to make him a hybrid.""So the vampires are the good guys?" Kory looked away from the screen too."No, definitely not. You'll see."Just let me save him already. Raven was feeling absolutely impatient while she was forced to interact with fictional vampires. She couldn't wait anymore. She knew where he was. Tied up and in pain and probably scared. She couldn't stand one more useless, long and annoying…wait.
This is it. She pulled her guns out.
Finally.Garfield was a little worried. The pain was very real and he couldn't free himself. If they didn't pull this off…stop it. She's coming. She's definitely coming.
He realized he couldn't remember
exactly
how this scene went and then he heard hostile noises coming his way.
Shit. I'm going to die.
The shapeshifter squeezed his eyes shut and braced himself. Then he heard gunshots and opened his eyes.
Holy shit.
His heart skipped a beat. Raven was standing there, looking all magnificent in leather and smiling at him."Need some help, love?"He laughed freely. "You have
no idea
how happy I am to see you."She shot his chains, freeing him. He leaned in to kiss her, but she stopped him."We're not safe yet." The empath reminded him."Right. Okay."They continued their escape with Raven shooting everything that moved. When Garfield went to open a door, she stopped him with a hand on his arm. He turned to look at her and she was frowning and biting her lip. But he remembered this scene. He had to open this door."Don't." She whispered.The scene reset. Raven closed her eyes and cursed internally."Rae? Love, look at me." Garfield said softly.She opened her eyes and they were filled with sadness and fear. "No, that…he'll shoot you with silver nitrate.""I know. It's okay." He pulled her into a hug.The scene reset. Raven felt desperate and started panting. Their friends were obviously being patient, but this was hurting them. But how could she let this happen to him? Michael nearly died in that scene. As in, it got
dangerously
close. She felt her eyes well up."Rae, we need to continue. It will be okay."She looked at him with teary eyes and her voice came out so quiet it was barely audible. "I can't watch you die again."Garfield was a little paralyzed for a second there. Vulnerable Raven was the death of him. How could he ask anything of her?The scene reset. He held her close and whispered soothingly. "Love, I won't die. You'll bite me with those cute fangs of yours and I'll rise again. Just like in the movie. I promise." He stroked her hair while she squeezed her eyes shut and nodded against his chest.The scene reset. Raven was back. "Go, we need to keep going." She told him, wiping her face.As expected, he was shot. The rest of the scene was agony. She could barely focus with Garfield squirming in pain next to her. When Lucian finally told her to bite him, she was more than ready. She stumbled over to him and pulled him to her lap, leaning over him and biting his neck. She noticed she was an
actual
vampire at the moment, because it tasted amazing and she lingered for a bit. Suddenly, she was lifted and thrown across the room. Then Garfield was lifted and thrown
out
of the room. Raven focused. She knew this. He needed time. She stalled with as much of the dialogue as she could remember while he suffered another painful transformation in the next room, and she actually got into it. This villain was another abusive father and it felt personal at this point, even if he wasn't real. Besides, she did like this movie.Garfield felt a new rush of power. It was different from anything he'd ever felt before. He'd
actually
turned into a vampire-werewolf hybrid.
Okay, this part is kinda cool. He started kicking some old vampire ass. It was hard and he couldn't really relax because as far as they knew there was real danger involved, but it also felt pretty damn epic. He needed help though, and it came. When she joined him, they fought together, saving each other again and again. Raven pulled her final move, slicing the old vampire's face in two. Garfield stood up and looked at her.
Probably shouldn't have done that, I look monstrous right now.The shapeshifter sighed contently when she just ran to him and hugged him tightly. He gratefully wrapped his arms around her. "Thanks for the rescue."She pulled back to look into his eyes and whispered intently. "I'll always rescue you." She smiled slightly when his eyes got all watery. "And you'll always rescue me."The Changeling nodded aggressively and grinned. "Sorry I look repulsive right now."Raven smirked, cradled his face in her hands and pulled him into a kiss – a sweet, long, deep, romantic kiss. Garfield's eyes closed and his eyebrows shot up in surprise, but he instinctively kissed her back and his chest burned for her. And then they were back in the dark room. They didn't stop kissing right away, because they had just gone through a lot – in fact, they only stopped when a burst of agonizing pain shot through their bodies, making them scream and fall. They turned to the screens on the walls. Nightwing and Starfire were in some Sci-Fi movie. Raven held Garfield's communicator and smiled at him in a way that meant
help them.The Changeling grinned and picked it up, analyzing what he was looking at. "Alright, you two. Listen. I think you're in
Fifth Element."The empath joined the others and cleared her throat. "I know what this is." Once she had their attention, she continued. "It's a pocket reality. He created this world by his rules. But it's flawed. He's not a sorcerer or a warlock – just a geek playing around with magic. This
is
his world, there's no point trying to fight him by
our
rules. We need to explore the cracks. His work is sloppy. He's definitely left magical fingerprints." And then she pointedly turned to Jinx. "Let's get to work."The enchantress was surprised, but she quickly collected herself and joined the other witch. She wasn't sure why, but she felt a little nervous.
Don't worry Jinx; you've worked on this together. You got this.
The two girls floated into the Lotus stance across from each other. They were both oblivious to the screens – and they needed to be, because if Raven saw Dick and Kory in danger, she would lose focus.The rest of them, however, held their breath when they were in danger and flinched when they got hurt. Nightwing and Starfire struggled their way through the risky situations they were in, especially because they couldn't even get it wrong
once,
since the blast of pain would interrupt Jinx and Raven. Fortunately, if there was a couple that was ready to face anything, it was them. Garfield sure felt the pressure of talking them through it, but he managed to keep it together – all that meditating had definitely done something."Almost there…" Jinx whispered.An iridescent glow appeared on a dark corner of the room and they gasped. And then right in that
exact
moment, Kory and Dick got back from TV-land and Raven and Jinx felt themselves being sucked in instead.The empath grumbled. "Not again…"And they were gone. Everyone stared at the screen wide-eyed to see younger versions of the girls in a garden while other children antagonized them by calling them witches."I…I don't know what this is!" Garfield started freaking out."Don't worry; I think I've seen this with Rae…" Starfire narrowed her eyes.Jinx looked around. "I think we're in
Practical Magic." She turned to Raven and started laughing. "Well, you look
adorable.""You too,
genius." The empath rolled her eyes as Jinx looked at herself to realize she was also a kid. "And I think you're right. Are you familiar with it?""Of course I am. Are you?"Raven smirked. "What do you think?""What do we do
now?" Ravager frowned. "Just sit back and wait until they come back so they can finish opening that portal? I mean, people are being pulled in for a second turn now. How long is he gonna keep this up for? I'm not looking forward to another round.""Me neither." Damian said emphatically."What else
can
we do? Both our sorcerers are gone." Bumblebee pointed out.Cyborg worriedly approached his best friend and touched his shoulder while he watched Raven jump on a random guy's lap and kiss him. "Relax, man; you look like you're about to shapeshift. She's just doing it cause she has to. The dude doesn't even exist."Garfield was completely paralyzed. His muscles were so tense they hurt a little and he couldn't remember how to breathe. He didn't
want
to watch it, but he couldn't look away. He only exhaled when it ended, but he was still tense. That
guy
was still there."It's not a big deal, you know?" Bumblebee raised an eyebrow at the Changeling."Give me a break, guys. Nobody wants to see their girlfriend doing
that!" Garfield protested in a high-pitched voice. "Why couldn't I just play that guy!?""He dies." Starfire said plainly."Oh…oh, okay then." Garfield cleared his throat. "I still hate this.""You know…" The Tamaranean glanced at Wally. "Jinx is getting hurt if they stay there. Badly."Kid Flash's eyes widened fearfully."Kory, how dangerous
is
this movie?" Garfield frowned.Starfire bit her lip. "Well…a lot of the bad shit happens."Kid Flash fiercely furrowed his brows. "We need to get them out.""I agree." Ravager said, turning everyone's attention to her. "He may not have put
him
there to spare his life…" She pointed at the Changeling. "But he could want
me
dead. I don't want to wait for the next session to find out."And then Garfield's brain did this wonderful, marvelous thing. It had an idea. A
good
idea. One could almost see the lightbulb light up over his head. He turned into an animalistic demon with magical properties and focused on the glow the girls had been working on while everyone else realized what he was doing and encouraged him. It didn't come naturally for him. He obviously wasn't used to using magic. But his girlfriend had talked to him about it an awful lot. Besides, she needed him.
I can do this.Raven and Jinx didn't need any help following this script. Some of the scenes were actually really fun and they had their own inside joke where they just rolled their eyes at each other regarding how perfect they were for these roles. But then Jinx got hurt. And some of it started to get a little scary. They were strangely grateful when they found themselves in the Midnight-Margaritas scene and Raven actually got drunk for the first time in her life."So,
Raveeen. Do you, like,
looove
Beast Boy?" Jinx giggled.The sorcerer rolled her eyes, feeling absolutely giddy. "Do you
looove
Kid Flash?"There was a little tension in the dark room, but when Cyborg glanced at his best friend he proudly realized his concentration wasn't affected. He wasn't even listening. Wally on the other hand, looked concerned. On screen, the two witches narrowed their eyes at each other in a silent staring contest for a few seconds, before bursting into laughter."We can't talk about this; they're watching." Raven said in slurred speech.The enchantress rolled her eyes. "You're right."Raven started giggling uncontrollably. "I usually am!"Jinx laughed loudly at that. "You suck. You're like, a total bitch!"The empath laughed louder too. "Thank you. Right back at you!"I got it. Garfield focused. And just like that, the dark rooms were gone. The illusion was over and they were in some sort of control room
with
Control Freak – a now very terrified, very regretful Control Freak."How d-did you…uh…y-you shouldn't be here!" The villain shouted.Superboy frowned. "This guy did this to us?
This guy?""You're
fucking
kidding me." Rose and Damian said in unison. Then they awkwardly looked away from each other.Kid Flash quickly pushed him against the wall and hissed. "Get them
out. Now.""O-of course!" Control Freak nodded aggressively.Right when the broom fell, making the girls jump, Raven and Jinx were pulled out of the movie and into the control room with everyone. But just like injuries didn't automatically heal when they left TV-land, the girls didn't automatically sober up."Oh heeey look, our friends!" Jinx said groggily, leaning on Raven. "And the loser who did this to us!" She pointed at Control Freak and laughed hysterically.Raven chuckled, trying to catch her breath.
Why is everything so funny right now?
"That's
right!
But…how?"Cyborg pointed at Garfield. "Your boy turned into…something
magical and finished your work."The shapeshifter smiled sheepishly. Raven's eyes widened and she carefully untangled herself from Jinx, pushing her to Wally instead, and then spread her arms wide and smiled, stumbling towards her boyfriend."My hero!" The empath wrapped her arms around Garfield, leaning on him.The Changeling blushed and wrapped his arms around her, not only because he wanted to, but because if he didn't she would definitely fall. His sheepish smile turned proud and he beamed."This is all very sweet and everything, but what are we doing about
him?" Ravager narrowed her eyes at Control Freak, still watching the Titans excitedly even now."Interrogate him to find out why he did it." Victor said seriously.Richard frowned. "I think he did it for his own personal entertainment."Control Freak shrank under everyone's expectant gazes. "I…well, yes."There was a round of gasps, cursing and outraged responses in general."Dude, that's sick." Cyborg shook his head disapprovingly."And dangerous." Nightwing stated, completely unamused. "Take us back.
Now."As soon as they were back in Titan Tower with a captive Control Freak, Raven pointed at him and frowned from Garfield's arms."You. I resent you
profoundly. I'm going to
curse
you." The empath said in slurred speech.Her hand glowed bright and Starfire, Cyborg and Nightwing immediately rushed to stop her. The Changeling held her hand so she wouldn't cast anything in this drunken state."No, wait!""Nooo!""Rae, don't!"Raven's frown deepened and she pouted. "But he
sucks."Garfield chuckled lovingly and held her tighter.
So freaking adorable."That's riiight. Don't be boriiing. Curse him! Curse him!" Jinx giggled from Wally's arms."He
does
suck." Nightwing calmly agreed. "But you're drunk. No cursing anyone while you're drunk. Actually, no magic while you're drunk. Please."Raven sighed heavily in frustration, which caused the kitchen plates to fly around wildly and shatter against the walls. Everyone stared at her wide-eyed and she smiled coyly and then rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine." She muttered. "No magic while I'm drunk…"The Changeling kissed the top of her head. "Mmm, you're so dangerous."The empath giggled at him. "I tasted your blood. You taste
good."Garfield's grin became flirty. "Oh, yeah?"Conner shook his head at how mushy they were and cleared his throat. He pointed at Control Freak. "Okay, but he still deserves worse than jail."Richard nodded. "I agree. Rose, Damian, do you want to beat him up a little?"Control Freak's eyes widened in fear when Robin and Ravager smiled wickedly at him. "N-no, wait! What!?"Nightwing folded his arms. Damian and Rose may not have been in danger, but they were more embarrassed than anyone else about the whole thing. He let them punch him a few times and then stopped them and went to take the villain to jail."Make some coffee for those two, yes?" Richard pointed at Raven and Jinx as he left.Fighting Control Freak really brought them together. Once the sorcerers sobered up, they all decided to take a walk and maybe get some ice cream. They even took Ravager's handcuffs off, though they told her if she tried to run Conner or Wally would definitely catch her. Raven blurred her memories so she wouldn't remember Dick's secret identity and chuckled softly when Rose asked if she could erase kissing Damian as well. At some point, they passed by a church and Starfire felt the need to look inside. The others followed – except for Raven, who kept her distance. It didn't take long for Garfield to come back looking for her."Rae? Why are you here? Come inside, you'll like it. It's all gothic with stained glass and stuff. It's kinda beautiful."She gave him a little sad smile. "That does sound beautiful, but I don't go near churches."The shapeshifter frowned. "Why? C'mon, there's nothing to worry about." He said cheerfully as he pulled her by the hand.The empath allowed her enthusiastic boyfriend to drag her, because she didn't have the heart to stop him.
Maybe it will be fine. She started to smile, but then right when they got to the entrance, it happened. The sudden sensation of cold liquid hitting her face made her stop and pull her hand back. She wiped her eyes so she could open them again, only to see him staring at her with wide, confused eyes.Raven sighed. "…that's why.""You
can't come in here." A girl spat out bitterly before turning on her heels and going back inside the church.Garfield frowned, watching the empath's now slightly wet hair dripping over her shoulders while she wiped her face. He wasn't sure what to do. He couldn't exactly beat someone up for throwing water on his girlfriend and he wanted to check on her first. Besides, he wasn't even sure
what
just happened. The other Titans had found their way to them."What happened?" Cyborg asked."I have
no idea!" Garfield squeaked. "That girl just threw water on her
out of nowhere
for
no reason
at all! Rae, do you know her?"The sorcerer tiredly shook her head as she wringed out her hair. "Not water.
That
would be
holy
water."Oh.
The Changeling's frown deepened and his stomach turned. He felt a little sick."What did I
just
say?" The girl hastily approached them again. "Just because you all have powers that doesn't mean you can intimidate us." She turned to Raven with an angry look on her face. "You're not
welcome
here."As if in slow motion, the empath could see Garfield's body tense up and his mouth open. She could sense his anger too. Not that he was the only one. She sensed indignation from all of them, but Starfire, Cyborg, Nightwing, and Robin were nearly matching the Changeling's rage. They were all about to speak and it wasn't going to be pretty. They were also starting to draw attention. So she made sure she spoke first."I know, I know." Raven shot the girl an annoyed stare and raised her hands up in the air. "Don't worry, I'm leaving."When she turned around to leave, however, another splash of holy water hit her face from the opposite direction.
Awesome.
More anger poured out of her friends, but she also detected more and more emotions from the strangers around. Some were feeling empathy and discomfort while others were simply emanating hostility towards her. She sighed and opened her eyes to see a terrified man holding up a cross.
Typical."We're n-not scared of you! Go away!"I was TRYING to. She involved the cross in dark energy and brought it to her hand. "This doesn't hurt me. See?"It was supposed to calm him down, but it only made him run inside the church a thousand times more scared. There wasn't enough time to stop her friends this time."What is
wrong
with you!?" Kory shouted."Just
what
do you think you're doing?" Richard asked sternly."This is
not
okay." Cyborg said in a low, menacing voice."What the
fuck
is your problem?" Damian hissed."I wouldn't risk angering her." Rose said teasingly.Garfield didn't say anything, because he had jumped to her side to stand there protectively, glaring at anyone who even
thought
about going near her.Raven pulled her hood up. "Guys, it's okay. Let's just go."There was urgency in her voice and they all detected it, so they reluctantly glared at the girl and the man – and anyone else who seemed hostile – one more time and turned to leave with her. Nightwing had to pull Damian along – his anger issues had gotten better, but this was a lot. But then as they tried to leave, they heard it."Demon
scum." A more mature female voice hissed behind them.Raven only faltered for a second, but it was enough to keep her from stopping him, because Garfield had immediately reacted. He was already glaring at the tall, elegant woman."What
did you just call her?" The shapeshifter asked angrily.The woman hesitated. "No, I…we don't have a problem with
you. It's just-""Oh, yes you do. Who do
you
think you are, you ignorant bigoted? Do you have any
idea
what she's done for the world?! She's made sacrifices you couldn't begin to
conceive
and they're the reason you're even alive right now!" Garfield looked around to see some people were looking down or had taken a step back, and others were smiling in relief and nodding at him. He glared at the man and the girl who'd thrown water on her and lowered his voice to an even more serious tone. "You should be kissing the ground she walks on. You may be humans, but she's a
thousand
times better than you'll
ever
be."Absolute silence. At this point the other Titans were standing decisively behind him to make it perfectly clear that he was speaking for everyone. Well, except for Raven –
she
was still on the same spot, with her back to the church, frowning at the floor. But she could sense people. She could sense that speech had significantly increased the levels of shame and guilt. Garfield hurried to her side and put an arm around her, walking away with her and being followed by their friends. She didn't love the arm-around-shoulders thing when it was possessive, but she didn't mind it when it was protective. This was definitely protective."It really wasn't that big a deal inside. We'll find a much better one
with
better people and
then
we'll go in." The Changeling said plainly once they were far enough.Raven looked at him. The whole thing had gotten her feeling extremely valued and her heart racing a bit. "Gar, you didn't have to do that.""I'm so sorry." He whispered, suddenly looking a lot more vulnerable.The empath frowned, rather confused about why
he
felt guilty. "For what?""I dragged you there like an idiot. I never thought…I'm sorry."Raven smiled slightly. "Oh, that's okay. You're not used to it."Garfield stopped and made her look at him. "Are you
used
to this? Does this happen a lot?"The sorcerer could sense he was completely distraught. "Well, no, I wouldn't say
a lot." She pondered blankly. "Most people are nice. But…it happens. Every now and then I get that kind of…it's not a big deal.""It
is
a big deal. Are you upset with me? Because I can't watch someone treat you like that, I
can't.
I
won't. I'm sorry, but…" He trailed off when he realized her smile had gotten wider."I noticed. Why would I be upset with you for defending me?" Raven got on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I said you didn't have to, not that I didn't like it." She began walking away. "So are we getting ice cream or what?"As everyone followed after her, Kid Flash gave Garfield a pat on the back, Damian gave his arm a soft, friendly punch and Cyborg ruffled his hair. Kory smiled at him.Once they were settled on a table having ice cream, the Changeling pulled Raven's hood down. He was the only one that got to do that with no consequences other than a quick, playful glare. He rested his chin on his hands and stared at her dreamily. "Are you sure you're okay?"She rolled her eyes. "I'm fine. It's just haters. I'm sure I have a lot more of those now that we're together."Garfield frowned. "Have you
seen
social media?""No." Raven smiled playfully. "I'm sure it's all about what a
tragedy
it is that you're off the market dating the creepy demon chick. I don't need to see that."The shapeshifter gasped. "Not at all! I mean, there's a
little
of that, yes. And there's a little of how
appalling
it is for majestic Raven to be with the stupid green kid." Her face instantly contorted into an upset frown and he smiled at it. "But…most people love us."The sorcerer suspiciously narrowed her eyes.
Yeah, right. Sure."He's right." Cyborg chuckled. "You're widely popular. Nearly as much as those two." He pointed at Dick and Kory."That is the truth. The people are very fond of you." Starfire nodded happily."Yep. Lots of shippers." Bumblebee said pointedly. She and Victor kept stealing glances at each other and she desperately needed to engage in the conversation.Raven still had a look of utter disbelief on her face. "…shippers?"The empath looked around the table to see if anyone cracked and revealed the prank behind all of this. But everyone was just extremely amused."Here, I'll prove it." Garfield said happily before smearing her cheek with a bit of ice cream. She glared fiercely at him and he swiftly leaned forward and licked it off her face before kissing the spot. Raven chuckled slightly and he proceeded to planting quick kisses all over her face until she finally giggled and pushed him off her, clearly trying to contain the smile on her lips. Then he whispered to her. "Now look around."The empath glanced at the other tables and sure enough, people were smiling dreamily or admiring the pictures they'd just taken, squealing happily and emanating support, excitement and joy. Then she looked at her friends and they were all emanating support too. Some of them were emanating a bit of annoyance, concern or jealousy as well. But mostly, support."…huh." Was all Raven said."Hey, don't look at me, I don't get it either." Superboy joked. "Though you did have good chemistry in that movie bit, not gonna lie."If Conner was being completely honest, after seeing the way she was with him and seeing him defend her at the church, he did get it. But he wasn't going to say that out loud."It's not rocket science, is it? It's the whole
opposites attract
cliché. Besides, you're both weird, people like weird." Rose pointed out blankly. "Most people
feel
weird. Arguably more people identify with you than with Wonder Woman or Superman. I know
I
di-"Ravager suddenly stopped herself before she could finish her sentimental thought, but it was too late. They knew what she was going to say and they were all either smiling stupidly or smirking at her.Rose scoffed. "Whatever.""Well, I had fun today." Conner admitted.Nightwing smiled at him. "Why don't you stay?"Krypto barked excitedly. Clark did say he could stay with Conner for as long as he needed him, and Conner definitely still needed him. Krypto really liked Titan Tower.Superboy raised an eyebrow at the space dog and chuckled. "Well, I know where
you
stand.""I'd love to have other aliens on the team." Starfire beamed."I mean technically I'm not an alien. I was created in a lab." Superboy shrugged and smiled charmingly at Kory. "But he
did
use Superman's DNA."Nightwing frowned.
Maybe I didn't think this through.
"Yes, and we
would
love to have you, Conner…just…you know, your people skills could improve a little…"Kid Flash, Garfield and Cyborg nodded aggressively in agreement.Superboy smirked. "You mean stop flirting with your girls."Kid Flash, Nightwing and Cyborg suddenly felt embarrassed."Yes!" Garfield unapologetically threw his hands in the air while Raven just rolled her eyes again. "Just stop doing
that
and we'll be fine!"Conner chuckled. He did have fun since he got here. "Fine, I promise I'll…try." Then he looked at Bumblebee. "You're
single, right?""I…" Karen tensed up and blushed, keeping her gaze on the ice cream, because Victor was right beside her.Cyborg opened his mouth and then closed it several times. He braced himself for whatever she would say next. Raven sensed their emotions and excused herself. Garfield almost followed her, but she said she was going to the toilet. Then Kory followed her."I mean, technically…" Bumblebee said carefully."Great!" Conner turned to Richard again, grinning smugly. "Guess I'm a Titan."

The Only Exception (Paramore)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"So…another karaoke night. And we're
sure
this is a good idea?" Cyborg raised an eyebrow. "I mean, the last one was…eventful.""No, we're not sure it's a good idea, Cy." Nightwing sighed. "Personally, I think we should be investigating the Sirens. I simply don't have the energy to argue with these many people."The Titans East had come over for this and Bumblebee would go back with them the next day. And when Aqualad suggested another karaoke night, it was simply a hit."Where are all the people, by the way?" Starfire frowned, looking around.Damian and Rose were grumpily watching the same show on TV – on opposite sides of the couch. But no one else was there."Bumble, Terra, Speedy, Aqualad, Mas and Menos are all taking turns on BB's pinball machine." Victor chuckled. "Conner is training. Raven and BB are…somewhere.""Oh, I see." Kory smiled sweetly and then went back to her magazine."What are we doing about…her?" Victor pointed at Slade's daughter on their couch.Rose Wilson raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I'm going. I'm definitely not missing this."Nightwing folded his arms, feeling a little amused. "You like singing, Ravager?"The platinum-haired girl chuckled mockingly. "Please. I just want to witness all the drama so I can explore your weaknesses later."Richard rolled his eyes and sighed. There was no point arguing. Raven would defend her given their bond and he would end up letting her go. The truth was their debt to Rose would never be paid and they all knew it. She was the best treated prisoner in history. Still, he agreed this girl wasn't entirely sure of who she was yet. Maybe she just needed support. "If you say so."Kory looked up from her magazine when she heard Garfield's voice."So my question is, should I go see them on Thanksgiving this year or not?" The shapeshifter asked. "...Rae? Are you listening to me?""Mm?""Should I go see Mento and the others on Thanksgiving?""Oh, uh…sure."They walked into the ops room and Raven was looking down blankly. Kory frowned, because she thought the empath looked a little distressed."But what about everything I just said!?" Garfield gesticulated wildly for emphasis. "I mean, I love them, but he always does this thing where he makes me feel insecure about everything. It doesn't matter if I'm twelve or twenty, you know? And then what if he triggers me and it gets in the way of my powers and-""Would you just
stop talking
for
one
minute?" Raven blurted out harshly. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. And then she sensed how hurt he was.
Shit.Garfield felt embarrassed, because he had been talking practically nonstop for about fifteen minutes now in hopes that she would offer to go with him instead of just gathering the nerve to ask her. He hadn't meant to overwhelm her. And then when she basically told him to shut up, Damian suppressed a chuckle. Rose, on the other hand, laughed freely. He felt stupid and he wasn't sure if he should leave or wait.Raven opened her eyes and faced him. She didn't need to glance at Nightwing, Cyborg or Starfire to know they were either glaring or frowning at her, she could sense their disapproval. "I…that wasn't-"The empath was interrupted by the small – but surprisingly loud – crowd that left Garfield's room to come into the ops room, scattering everywhere, laughing and teasing each other."I need to meditate." Raven whispered to him. "I mean, if you still want me to go tonight."The Changeling quickly concealed his heartache, because he did really want her to go. "Yeah, totally. Of course I do. Sorry I talk too much.""No, it's okay, just…listen, we can talk about this Doom Patrol thing later, okay?"Garfield smiled and nodded. "Yeah, okay."
Maybe by then I'll be brave enough to actually ask you to go with me.That night, they all went to the karaoke club together. Aqualad and Superboy brought everyone drinks as soon as they got a table. The girls – except for Ravager – quickly went on stage to sing a series of girl-power songs. Actually, Raven was quite literally dragged by the others and was mostly hugging herself on a corner of the stage watching her friends do all the singing."So, wait." Speedy said, downing another shot. "You guys were like, trapped in movies?""Yup." Cyborg nodded. "It
sounds
fun, but it was infuriating.""And you were like, the characters?" Aqualad smiled, absolutely intrigued."That must have led to some awkward moments." Speedy chuckled."Hellz yeah." Victor pointed at Robin and Ravager. "Those two had to kiss."Richard lightly punched his little brother's arm and chuckled. Everyone else laughed loudly while they blushed and looked down awkwardly. The teasing had been going on nonstop ever since the whole Control Freak situation and it was getting on Damian's nerves."Shut up." The young Robin muttered."Oh c'mon, it was sweeet." The Changeling waggled his eyebrows."You know, I can't imagine either of you being romantic. That must have been
terrible
acting." Speedy's joke was followed by even louder laughter.Damian narrowed his eyes and thickened his voice. "You know
what?" He downed Dick's shot before he could protest and then stood up. "You're laughing to look away from how
pathetic
you all are.
You." He looked at Cyborg. "You've been pining for the same girl for
months
and you can't make a move." He turned to Dick. "You're even worse. You took
years
to make a move. Actually, from what I've heard,
she
was the one who made the move." He adressed Mas and Menos. "You two like the
same
girl and she's someone else's girlfriend. Also,
way
too tall for you." Then Speedy. "You're
probably a rebound." Then Aqualad. "Just so you know, Raven doesn't even
count
your date. She said it was
nothing." Then Kid Flash. "You
still don't trust your girlfriend. You think she'll cheat on you like she cheated
with you." And Superboy. "You hit on
all
of them, but
none
of them actually got with you." And Garfield. "Don't even get me started on
you. You get jealous of people who don't even
exist."Ravager leaned back, folded her arms and laughed loudly and a little wickedly.
Okay, maybe Batman's son is all right."Rose, do you want to sing about
not
being a total loser?" Damian asked without looking at her because he was still busy glaring at the rest of their party."Definitely." Ravager stood up. And just like that, the two teens left the table.After long seconds of awkward silence, Richard cleared his throat. "I think we deserved that.""In
my
defense..." Garfield started, and then gasped in outrage when they all rolled their eyes and grunted at him. "What!? It was a weird situation for me, okay?! She's never kissed anyone else. I mean, you know, in
this
Universe.""That you know of." Conner smirked. He knew every single guy there would be more than happy to shift the focus to the shapeshifter, and he would easily take the bait.The Changeling felt his blood run cold before he remembered he had no reason to listen to Conner. "No, she really hasn't. She would tell me.""Actually, I think that's true." Richard chuckled lightly, pouring himself another shot."Wait, that's a little alarming." Aqualad teasingly leaned forward. Damian had really bruised his ego and he saw a chance to regain his pride. "How does she know she really likes you if she's never even kissed anyone else?""Ugh, she KNOWS, okay!?" Garfield practically shouted.
DOES she?"Of course she knows." Cyborg said as he glared at both Aqualad and Superboy."Well then it shouldn't matter if other people make a move. If you're
so sure
she knows, then you have nothing to worry about." Conner leaned back and smiled smugly.Fuck. What is happening!?
Garfield frowned. "No, that…wait, that's not-""Hello, boyfriends and friends!" Starfire said happily, wrapping her arms around Dick.Damian and Rose were now aggressively singing
Teenagers (My Chemical Romance)
on stage.Garfield looked up at Raven with pleading eyes. "Hey, love…wanna sing with me?"The empath grimaced slightly. She hated turning him down when he looked at her like this, but romantic duets were too out of her comfort zone. "I don't think so."The Changeling's heart broke a little and he downed another shot. Raven sensed it and rubbed his shoulders soothingly. The truth was she could tell he was jealous, and he got jealous rather easily. She was a little tired of reassuring him."How about a solo?" Aqualad suggested charmingly. "Your voice is beautiful; we were really hoping to hear it tonight. You barely sang at all just now."Superboy raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Really?""Actually yeah, she's got pipes." Cyborg said, a little distracted by his best friend's hurt face."Oh yes, Raven's voice is
divine!" Starfire exclaimed.The sorcerer rolled her eyes. "They're exaggerating.""I am
not!" The Tamaranean grinned at her best friend. "Would you sing with me?
Pleeeeease?
You did a whole movie with Jinx and not me in Control Freak's thing!"Raven frowned. "Kor, that wasn't
my
decision."Starfire clasped her hands together. "Still! Just
one
little song! For our friendship?"The empath stared at her alien friend's sparkling eyes and sighed.
For our friendship? How am I supposed to say no to that?
"…fine.
One
song."Kory floated into the air a little. "Oh marvelous!"Garfield frowned. "You'll sing with her but you won't sing with me?""I'm just more comfortable with a friendship song than...you know." Raven said softly."Oh…" The shapeshifter forced himself to smile up at her. "Okay. Makes sense."She could sense his disappointment, of course. There was also nervousness for some reason. Not the nice, flattering jitters he got when they were alone together – more like crippling anxiety. She wasn't sure why. Raven decided to talk to him later. It could be an exhausting conversation. In fact, it probably would be."Well, you'll have to go after
me!" Cyborg stood up and decisively headed to the stage to serenade Karen with
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Phil Collins),
much to everyone's amusement."So what will we sing?" Kory excitedly looked through the catalog.Raven spotted a particular song and smiled. "You want to sing about friendship, Kor?"As soon as Victor was done, the empath and the Tamaranean sang
For Good (Wicked)
together. Starfire sang Glinda's parts while Raven sang Elphaba's. They harmonized beautifully and meant every word. When they got back to the table, they found several people in awe.Nightwing looked up and whistled. "That was beautiful.""A bit mushy for my taste, but you sounded good." Rose smirked.Raven smirked right back. "Thanks. Where's Gar?""He went over to the bar." Cyborg answered quickly. "He's getting more drinks. I think you should talk to him, actually…""Sure, I'll go help him." Raven headed to the bar and easily found him – he was the only green one. He wasn't ordering anything, though. He was staring blankly into space.
Is he that drunk already?
She cleared her throat once she was close enough. "Hey, where's your mind at?"Garfield was slightly startled. He had been so lost in thought he didn't sniff her coming. He was also a little lightheaded from all the drinking and it made it harder to organize his thoughts. But she
was
a nice surprise, so he smiled. "Oh, hey you."Raven tilted her head to the side.
He's a little sad. "What are you doing standing here alone?""Well, I came to…" He glanced at the bar. "And then I saw…" He glanced at the stage. "Well, I stopped to watch you." Beast Boy looked at her and realized she was smiling at him.
Get over your shit, Garfield. She likes you. She might even love you. Maybe. He smiled wider and scratched the back of his neck. "You were
amazing,
by the way. I can't even…you know."She rolled her eyes fondly. "C'mon, let's get the drinks and go back.""No, wait…not yet." The Changeling shifted his weight between his feet. "You said we could talk about Doom Patrol and Thanksgiving..."She frowned. "Garfield, I didn't mean
now. That's
months
away and-""Why didn't you offer to go with me? I mean, you're my
girlfriend. We're supposed to do this stuff together. Meet each other's families and stuff."Raven sighed.
Why does he want to be this…traditional?
She decided to be playful and smirked at him. "So…what? On Easter we go to Hell and spend it with Trigon?"The Changeling chuckled. "You know what I mean."She turned away from him to order the drinks before she answered. "Gar, you only want me there to have someone defending you when Mento is harsh. And maybe to brag."Garfield frowned. He'd had a drink or two watching her sing and they didn't seem like such a good idea now. "Well…yeah! Is that so bad? You're my
girlfriend,
that's like…your job!"Raven was a little offended by that. She narrowed her eyes. "No,
it's not.""Okay, that came out wrong. My bad. But listen, it's like,
really
important to me, okay?"The empath sighed heavily. "You're very high-maintenance, you know that?"The Changeling folded his arms and mumbled. "What happened to
I'll always rescue you?"Oh Azar, I will kill him. Raven rubbed her temples. "Yes, Garfield. But this scenario doesn't require rescuing. He's your adoptive father and you are a twenty-one year old man."He was taken aback by that. And a little hurt.
She's not wrong. But that's not what I wanted her to say. And why is she smiling right now and what is she even looking at?
He followed her gaze to see Cyborg and Bumblebee singing
Give Your Heart a Break (Demi Lovato)
as a duet on stage while making heart eyes at each other."That's an interesting development." Raven said contently.It
was
an interesting development, he couldn't deny that. He
was
happy for Cyborg. Garfield put his worries aside for a moment and grinned. "Yeah. Finally. But, listen…"Before the shapeshifter could say another word, she walked back to their table, actively ignoring him. So he followed after her with a heavy heart. The entire night had been very different from what he'd imagined. Victor and Karen took a little while to go back to the table because they'd actually stopped on a corner to make out, so when they did come back, they had flushed cheeks and she looked a little disheveled, which earned them quite a few whistles and giggles."Very mature, guys." Cyborg said sarcastically, trying – and failing – to keep a smile off his face."So are you moving to our tower then, Bumble?" Starfire rested her chin on her hands."Oh. Well…I'd love to." Karen started. "But…" She glanced at her teammates. "I don't think it would be fair to leave Terra alone with these guys."The blonde shot her a grateful smile. Being the only girl on a team would be a little challenging. She had no idea how Bumblebee did it before. The number of dirty socks lying around alone…"Maybe Jinx and I could join them." Wally West suddenly suggested. It was actually more of a loud thought, so he quickly turned to his girlfriend. "I mean, only if you want to. And I know you've been getting into magic with Rae a lot, but we could still come over all the time. You know, with me being the fastest guy in the world and all that." He grinned proudly.Superboy scoffed at that last part, but Kid Flash decided to ignore him."I think it's a great idea." Raven said plainly. "If Jinx wants to.""So do we." Speedy smiled. He'd noticed Terra liked the idea.Jinx thought about it. She
had
been longing for a sense of…belonging. She looked at Terra, who was smiling at her. "Maybe this could work.""Excellent!" Kid Flash raised his glass. He could definitely be on a team. The only reason he hadn't asked to join the Titans was the whole thing with Cyborg, and even though they were okay now he certainly wasn't comfortable with the idea of Victor and Jinx living together. Damian wasn't wrong; he didn't fully trust her yet."Does that mean you'll stay?" Cyborg asked Bumblebee through a hopeful smile.Karen looked over at Richard. "What do you think? Would you have me, Nightwing?"Dick smiled. "Are you kidding me? You're in, Bumble!""This calls for another round!" Aqualad said breezily.There was cheering and laughing and another round of drinks. But then Cyborg noticed that whatever it was Raven said to his best friend, it hadn't done the trick, because the shapeshifter looked even
more
miserable now. The half-robot elbowed Starfire and tilted his head towards Garfield. She frowned sadly and shot Cyborg a meaningful look and a nod."Hey, Rae? Can Cy and I talk to you in private?" Kory asked.The empath narrowed her eyes.
That feels a little hostile. "Sure…""Jinx, let's sing something together!" Terra suggested drunkenly. "To solidify our partnership!"Jinx's signature wicked grin came back. "Only if it's polemic."Terra thought for a minute and then her eyes widened. And then they filled with mischief. She got up and pulled Raven by the arm. "You have to come too. You haven't sung with
me
yet. Remember that song we danced to at the Hall of Justice?"That song that…oh. Raven smiled slightly. Normally, she would just say no, but she'd had an idea. A brilliant idea. "Only if Rose joins in."Ravager questioningly raised an eyebrow at that, but Terra and Jinx seemed to think it made perfect sense and the enchantress pulled her to her feet.Terra realized Starfire and Cyborg were about to protest. "You can talk to Rae
after
we sing!"Nightwing picked up on Kory and Victor's intentions and tried to help. "Wait, guys...""No waiting! Let's go!" Jinx exclaimed.Kory desperately tried to stop them. "No, seriously, just-""LET'S GO!" Terra shouted, pushing the other three girls towards the stage.Nightwing exhaled and gave his friends a shrug. Drunken people simply weren't sharp enough to take a hint.And then the four girls took the stage and Jinx shouted into the mic. "It's
bad bitches
tiiime!"Sweet but Psycho
(Ava Max)
started playing and they alternated the verses between them, singing the chorus together. Terra was being all sweet and teasing while Jinx was openly wicked. Ravager started out rolling her eyes, but then she got into it. She had a more badass, more intimidating could-kill-you-if-I-wanted-to kind of approach. It was definitely interesting – at least Damian thought so. Raven stood there in a cool stance with a hand on her hip and a smirk on her face and when it was her turn her eyes got all intense and menacing and her body swayed in slow, subtle, sensual movements. The four of them had a lot of fun. And they were all being a little sexy in their own way.They were a hit too. The cheering was loud everywhere, not just their table. Garfield cheered loudly too, watching Raven intently while she sang this naughty song. For a second there, he forgot all about his insecurities. That was
his
girlfriend. Life was good. Sure, she'd gone to sing with her friends instead of talking to him about his feelings, but still. And since he looked happy, Cyborg, Starfire and Nightwing all relaxed as well – until the girls came back."That was
hot.
Very
sexy." Superboy grinned lustfully.Garfield's face fell. He realized everyone else had seen what he just saw. He followed Conner's gaze to see who he was grinning at, but he couldn't be sure. He
was
sure about Aqualad's intense stare, though. It was on Raven. She wasn't looking at either of them, but she wasn't looking at
him
either. She was narrowing her eyes at Rose for some reason."Hey Rae, can we talk?" Cyborg asked urgently, already standing up.The empath frowned. Starfire was on her feet too; apparently ready to join this private conversation, whatever it was about. They looked serious. Even Dick was looking at her a little disapprovingly, though he didn't stand up. She shrugged and let Kory and Victor pull her aside. As they dragged her way too far from the table, Raven could sense she was about to get scolded and figured all this distance was to escape her boyfriend's heightened hearing. She rolled her eyes. "Is this about Garfield's moping?"Cyborg furrowed his brows. "Don't you think you're being harsh? I mean, you couldn't let him have
one
song, Raven? Conner and Aqualad were teasing him pretty badly earlier."The empath huffed softly. "Well how was I supposed to know that? And how is that
my
fault? Why do I have to do something I'm not comfortable with because they're jerks?""You don't need to sing with him, friend, but did you even talk to him about why he's sad? Did you even apologize for this morning?" Kory asked worriedly.Raven grimaced, looking a little guilty. "I'm
going
to,
okay? It's just; it's always such a tiring conversation when he's like this."Cyborg sternly folded his arms. "Seriously? He's hurting out there. And you
know
that because you can
sense
him. How do you think that makes him feel?"The empath exhaled. She glanced at the table. Bumblebee seemed to be trying to cheer him up, but he looked sad.
He hasn't even sung anything all night. "Shit, okay. You're right."Victor and Kory's faces instantly filled with relief."I'll talk to him." Raven said surely. "There's just
one
more thing I need to do..."When they headed back to the table, everyone was
still
discussing the bad-girls performance.Raven lightly elbowed Rose. "So, aren't you done being a lonely villain yet?"Ravager had been laughing openly. If she was being honest, she couldn't remember ever having this much fun. But she tried to contain her smile and rolled her eyes. "I
knew
you were trying to convert me.""Of course I am." The empath said seriously. "You were the only…well, if not friend,
human connection
I had in that…nightmare. I know you enough to know you can do better. And you saved me. So…of course I'll try to save you. Whether you like it or not, I like you."Garfield hated himself for being currently consumed by jealousy and doubt while she was trying to change a teen's life. It was even more embarrassing because he knew that she knew.
These fucking powers of hers. Sometimes they kinda suck.
He downed another shot.Ravager bit her lip. The truth was she really wanted to stay. She didn't care about being a hero; she just liked not being alone. She was tired of loneliness. Besides, Titan Tower was really nice. Like a home. She huffed. "Raven…I like you too. I like you since you told my father he was nothing. Remember that? And then the more they burned and sliced and beat you and you just frustrated them back, the more I liked you. That was fun to watch. I mean, not the…you know what I mean. But…I'm an
outlaw. It's what I've always been and it's all I know how to be. Besides…I'm sure your friends don't feel the same way you do."Dick just smiled at Rose, now completely sure about her. "Actually, we kind of do."Garfield was still grateful to her in the middle of his funk, so he nodded emphatically. So did Starfire, Cyborg, Robin and Terra. The others shot her a sympathetic smile.Ravager frowned. "You…want
me…on your lame superhero team?""Why not?" Victor said nonchalantly. "Half of us have been villains at
some
point by now.""Guilty." Terra coyly raised her hand."Me too." Jinx raised hers."Technically…" Damian's hand went up in the air."I was Red-X." Richard joined them."I've definitely gone too far a few times. And I did unleash Trigon." Raven said quietly.Conner folded his arms behind his head. "I haven't been a villain, but I've been a jerk. Does that count?"Everyone chuckled and Rose felt slightly overwhelmed. "But…I'm Slade's daughter. He's been your enemy since-""As you pointed out once, I'm Talia al Ghul's son." Damian smirked."Lex Luthor. Technically." Conner said breezily.Raven cleared her throat. "Hello?"Ravager laughed loudly at that, along with everyone else.
Can I actually stay here…?"We don't care, Rose. If you want to stay, you'll be one of us." Nightwing said kindly."That's right!" Starfire beamed at her."Sometimes they do cool shit." Damian said plainly, looking up at her. "Like taking Blackfire's power and giving it to Kory. I watched it, it was ruthless."Rose smiled at that. "Well…I would still be Ravager, right?""You can keep your battle name, yes." Dick chuckled.Ravager tilted her head and thought about it. "…I guess I could stay a while."Damian wasn't sure why, but that made him feel good. It was all fun and games after Rose's conversion. They took turns singing gradually sillier songs. Raven was sober, though. She was content with how the whole Rose situation was settled – not to mention Cyborg and Bumblebee – and now she could focus on Garfield. She was ready to talk to him."Are you sure you should drink more?" The empath touched her boyfriend's arm as he reached for another shot.The shapeshifter looked at her and his heart ached.
Shit. She looks perfect. He frowned and hastily pulled his arm, looking away. He wasn't sure
why
he was upset. Maybe it was the Mento thing, or the way the guys teased him earlier – they'd gotten him all paranoid, or maybe it was because she'd sung two songs but refused him. And then on top of all that she had to go and be admirable in front of everyone. To be fair, that last part wasn't her fault. He knew that. It happened whenever she let go a bit – you could see how captivating she was. The problem was how it made him feel. Now he was sure there was absolutely no way he would manage to keep her. He felt like he wasn't smart enough, or powerful enough, or charming enough. And the drinks weren't helping. If anything, he was feeling worse.Raven didn't allow herself to be hurt, because she could still sense he loved her. And he was clearly drunk, so maybe not the best moment to call him out on being grumpy. Still, she was a little annoyed. She'd meditated like a crazy person for this because he really wanted her to come. "Is this because I won't sing with you?"Garfield huffed defensively. "I'm not a child, I don't care. I just, I can drink if I want to."Raven looked away from him and shut down to protect her own feelings. "Fine."The atmosphere changed completely with his unusually dry behavior towards her. One could cut the tension with a knife. Cyborg and Starfire exchanged concerned looks. They hadn't expected him to react this way – but then again, she
had
waited a long time and now he was pretty drunk. Dick was mostly confused."Aren't you gonna sing anything, man?" Cyborg nudged him. In reality, he just wanted to get him out of there so they could talk."Oh…right." Garfield realized that
was
weird. If he didn't sing anything, everyone would know something was wrong.
Everyone already knows, loser. You're not exactly subtle."Aren't you gonna sing about how much you
loooove
Raven?" Jinx asked indiscreetly. "Or is that starting to die down already?"Everyone but the empath stared at her in utter disbelief. Raven was still staring at the same random spot on the table, because it was her turn to feel her stomach twirl and her heart drop. Jinx probably didn't realize it, but she had just put her biggest fear – at least at the moment – into words. She didn't dare to move. It could give her away.The Changeling glared at Jinx. "Of
course
not.""Of course not as in it's not dying down or of course not as in you're not singing to her?" The enchantress pressed, resting her chin on her hands."Leave him alone. He'll sing if he wants to sing." Raven said quietly, still staring at the table."I don't need you to speak for me." The shapeshifter grumbled.
What the fuck am I doing!? Don't talk to her like that!
He was vaguely aware by the shocked look on Cyborg's face that it was too late to pretend nothing was wrong. "You know what? I just don't feel like singing. I don't
always
feel like singing."Raven thought her heart would shatter if it wasn't for her emphatic abilities.
He still loves me. It's okay. This is just the alcohol talking.
"Okay."Dick frowned sternly and opened his mouth to ask Garfield if they could talk in private so he could talk some sense into him, but before he could say anything, Conner Kent was on his feet."He's had too much to drink. Don't worry,
I'll
sing to you." Superboy winked at Raven. "I got you, destroyer of worlds. We're the only sober ones.""And me. I can't get drunk." Kid Flash pointed out blankly. "Fast metabolism and all that.""That's entirely unnecessary, Conner.
Sit down." The empath said firmly, glaring at him."Fine, then I'll just sing a random song to no one in particular. Try stopping me
now." Superboy said charmingly, heading towards the stage.Raven turned to Garfield as soon as Conner left, but he was already on his feet walking away."Why is he being weird?" Rose whispered to Damian, who shrugged to let her know he was just as confused. Neither of them had noticed anything but each other all night.Victor quickly got up and went after his friend. Raven swallowed her emotions, because she felt like crying. She did accidentally break a few chairs, making people fall down.Superboy started singing
Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)
on stage. He had a really nice voice. The empath curiously looked up and he sure was shooting her intense glances every now and then. He was acting all cute and it was definitely distracting, but it didn't soothe her heart. It wasn't who she wanted to see singing to her.Cyborg put a hand on his friend's shoulder to make him turn around and look at him. "BB, c'mon. Superboy is basically serenading your girl and you decide to ignore her? Talk to me."But Garfield was busy grunting loudly and cursing under his breath, because he had realized what Conner was singing.
Fuck, why didn't I think of that!?"Dude, do I need to slap you or something?" Victor frowned.Garfield moved his arms around in a desperate manner. "She's
not
my girl, Cy! She says it all the time. She's not
anyone's. Look." He pointed at the stage. "Perfect Boy is singing to her better than I ever did and look." He pointed at their table where Aqualad had moved to sit beside Raven and was whispering something to her. "Don't you get it!?" He looked at Cyborg in misery. "I'm
going to
lose her. It's like, inevitable!"Victor shook his head. "What are you talking about, BB? Both those things are only happening because you shut her down in front of everyone. Those two are worse than sharks smelling blood in the water. I know she's been kinda mean today but she wants
you,
not them. She meant to talk to you about it. Just go back to your usual, nicer self."The Changeling was practically panting as he watched Conner being perfect on stage and shooting Raven flirty looks. "Look at what he's singing! That's just sheer provocation!""Then don't fall for it. C'mon, let's go back."He wasn't done freaking out. "I mean, he doesn't even love her, he just loves the challenge!""Don't you think she
knows
that, man?" Cyborg asked him incredulously."I can't go back, Cy. I'll get hurt. She'll choose one of them.""No, she
won't. I promise. That's crazy talk." The half-robot said surely. "You wouldn't think that without the alcohol."Garfield slowed his breathing. "I
can't
lose her, Cy. I…I can't."Victor put both his hands on his best friend's shoulders. "Great, then let's go back."The Changeling took a deep breath and nodded, letting the half-robot guide him back. But after a few short steps, his ears captured what Aqualad was whispering to his girlfriend."I didn't know it was that bad…what you went through. You're really strong. But if you need
anything…anything at all. Like someone to talk to…I mean, someone…mature. I'm here."Garfield stopped dead in his tracks. He watched Raven's back and listened intently, but she didn't say anything or move. She didn't accept the offer, but she didn't turn him down either."Dude, what are you-""I'm going to sing." Garfield said decisively, heading towards the stage, because Conner was done singing now and all the courage he had been hoping the alcohol would provide all night suddenly found him all at once.Raven watched her drunken boyfriend pick up the microphone and look directly at her. She instantly felt a little better.
He's going to sing to me. Everything is okay. He just had too much to drink. It'll probably be Stutter and it'll be really cute and- wait, I don't know this song."I don't like the way he's looking at you…"Garfield sang
Jealous (Nick Jonas)
staring directly at her the entire time, in the most dramatic, intense, nearly aggressive way he possibly could. There was a glint in his eyes that she would have loved under different circumstances. There was a sensuality to the territorial way he was performing and he looked sexy doing it, which ironically made
her
a little jealous, because she could sense arousal from several other people there. But mostly, Raven was mortified. She felt her face burn and she wanted to disappear into the floor several times, but she thought maybe that would make it worse. It's not like every single person in the club hadn't realized he was singing to her by now.The song
was
extremely flattering and she had to admit that was part of the reason she was blushing. Besides, it was definitely better than his indifference. But it was also unapologetically petty and certainly not the sweet declaration that would have warmed her heart. He was jealous, obviously. He was scared of losing her. But he also seemed…angry. Of course he was angry; he knew how this would make her feel – this exposure, this public display of possessiveness. This wasn't a serenade. This was marking his territory while punishing her at the same time. She tensed her facial muscles and struggled to keep her powers under control. Their friends were either completely mortified too or thoroughly amused. Cyborg and Nightwing were mostly concerned.Garfield dropped the microphone when he finished and stumbled back to the table. "See, love? I sang to you!" He hastily pushed Aqualad off his seat, glaring at him and Conner, and sat down next to her again. "Did you see it?""Everyone saw it. You practically pissed on me." Raven said in a low and unamused voice.The Changeling scoffed. "Well at least I
care
enough to-""Garfield? Maybe you should go home." Richard stared at him warningly.The shapeshifter narrowed his eyes.
Yeah, right. I'll go home and then everyone can hit on her all they want.
"I don't think so."Raven stood up and cleared her throat. Aqualad and Superboy stood up too. Garfield just looked up at her. "Well,
I'm
going home. Goodnight everyone. Bumble and Rose…welcome."Garfield clumsily got on his feet. "Okay then I'll go home too!"The empath exhaled in relief, because she had hoped for that. He really did need to sleep it off. They walked out into cold night air and found a quiet spot so she could teleport them back. Raven noticed he was stumbling and put his arm over her shoulders for support."Do you still love me? I mean…like me? I mean…do you still
want
me?" Garfield asked groggily while she helped him towards the toilet."Yes." She said plainly, handing him a toothbrush. "Brush your teeth. I'll get you water."She still wants me. Good. The Changeling did what she said and then accepted her help again to get to his room. "But
whyyy?
Why
do you love me? I mean, why do you
want
me?"He sat on his bed and reluctantly drank from the bottle of water she handed him before lying down. She just sighed tiredly.Garfield grunted in frustration against his pillow. "See? You can't even answer."Raven went to remove his shoes. "You know, you really hurt my feelings tonight."He suffocated a sob against his pillow, because that made his chest burn – and not in a good way. "Don't say that."She carefully covered him with a blanket.
To be fair, you hurt him first. "I
can
answer. It's not a short answer but I've told you reasons why I like you several times. I
have
answered it."That's true. But I'm scared you'll change your mind.
He mumbled against the pillow. "I just get so worried. I just love you so much."Her heart skipped a beat against her will. "What do you get so worried about?"Garfield looked up at her with sleepy, remorseful eyes. "Mmm?"Raven smiled slightly and ruffled his hair. "Okay. Go to sleep. We'll talk tomorrow." He was snoring in seconds, so she went back to her room, lay down and clutched her plush turtle to her chest. It wasn't the best sleep of her life.The next day, Garfield woke up to a headache like he hadn't had since those days when he was pining for her.
Fuck, why do I feel like shit?
He grunted and rubbed his eyes, allowing the events of last night to flood back into his mind.
Right, I got drunk. And then I…did I sing an angry song to Rae? Shit.
He sat up and wondered how he even got to bed. All he remembered was being upset and freaking out. He couldn't remember a fight though, which he was grateful for. And he would definitely remember if she'd broken up with him, so at least he knew
that
didn't happen."Morning, sleeping beasty." Cyborg said teasingly when the Changeling walked into the ops room in sweatpants and a loose t-shirt. "Coffee?"Everyone else was already up and socializing. Some were still having breakfast, some were playing with the pets and some were watching the news."Definitely." Garfield answered with sleepy eyes, sitting by the kitchen counter next to Raven, who was quietly sipping her tea, staring at the wall.
Isn't she gonna say morning to me?Jinx had an amused grin on her face. "Sooo, BB, did you sleep well? You look like you have a headache.""Yeah, I think I had a little too much to drink last night." The shapeshifter answered tiredly.He was slightly taken aback by everyone chuckling loudly at that."A
little?" Ravager raised an eyebrow.Shit. It must have been worse than I thought. He sipped his coffee and glanced at Raven again. Unlike everyone else, she wasn't chuckling. She was wearing a stripped long-sleeve cropped and sweatpants and her hair was pulled up into a messy bun. His chest ached with desire because she looked beautiful, but she was still silently staring at the wall and she hadn't even looked at him. "Morning, love.""Morning." The empath said coldly before getting up and placing her mug in the sink. "Excuse me, everyone."And just like that, she was gone. Garfield flinched. He remembered her being a little cold yesterday too – it was the whole reason he got upset and drank too much, that much he remembered. But this seemed different.The shapeshifter grimaced. "She's mad at me, isn't she?"Cyborg grimaced as well. He didn't think his best friend was the only one in the wrong this time. In fact, he was just about to talk to Raven about her share of blame before he walked in. Still, his mistake had been rather public and she
hated
that. "Probably."Garfield grunted and rested his forehead on the counter. "What did I do?""What do you remember?" Jinx asked in an amused voice.He lifted his head again and sipped his coffee. "Not much."Kory turned her head from the couch and smiled at him. "Do you remember friends Cyborg and Bumblebee singing together? And that she and Rose are Titans now?"Garfield nodded. "Yeah, vaguely but…yeah.""Do you remember being totally paranoid?" Conner chuckled.The Changeling narrowed his eyes at him. "I remember
you
being totally out of line singing a love song to
my
girlfriend."Superboy raised his hands up in the air in surrender and grinned charmingly. "Hey, I was just trying to cheer her up after
you
were rude to her. It's not in my nature to watch a pretty girl feel blue and do nothing about it."Garfield frowned and turned to Cyborg, hoping he would tell him Conner was lying. There was no way he'd made her sad, right? Except…he did remember how hurt he was. Did he take it out on her?"I mean, he
was
out of line. And she fucked up too. She was about to apologize, actually. But…yeah, you were rude." Victor nodded.The shapeshifter's heart sank.
She was about to what!?
He felt more awake by the minute and now he thought he remembered her saying something about him hurting her feelings."I wasn't out of line and he glared daggers at me all night." Aqualad said innocently. "All I did was talk to her.""Oh,
shut up." Garfield rolled his eyes then glared at him. "I see the way you look at her."Ravager laughed out loud. "See, I told you he isn't that stupid.""Anyway BB, do you remember what you did
after
you got upset and drunk?" Cyborg asked, getting the shapeshifter's attention again.Garfield frowned. "I…""Allow me." Jinx said happily, holding up her phone for him to see a video of his intense, sensual and angry performance.The footage kept moving from him to Raven every now and then. She was completely immobile, with her arms folded and her cheeks flushed. Her expression was enigmatic to most people, but Garfield knew it. She was embarrassed.The Changeling felt all his blood drain from his face. "…fuck."Jinx was grinning triumphantly. He pushed her phone away and glared at her a little, then finished his coffee and stood up."Are you going to talk to friend Raven?" Starfire asked hopefully.Garfield was already leaving. "Obviously."Nightwing smiled to himself.
They're fine, Dick. It'll be fine.He found her on the roof, meditating by herself. "Hey…can we talk?"Raven lowered herself from her floating stance and turned to him. "Sure.""I know you're mad at me. I had too much to drink and I embarrassed you. I'm sorry."The empath frowned slightly. "Why did you even get that drunk?""I was upset, okay? I got jealous. I guess that's obvious now. I didn't handle it very well, but…""You didn't handle it
at all. I don't know if you were upset because I wouldn't sing with you or offer to go to Thanksgiving with you; or if you're just
so
insecure you can't even ignore those two idiots, but I didn't find any of it amusing."He frowned.
This isn't fair. "Look, it was a difficult night for me too. I'm sorry I got drunk and behaved the way I did. But I'm not going to apologize for how I feel."She folded her arms. "I'm not asking you to, but the way you react to your feelings is really alarming.
You can't just say you're sorry and then keep doing it. We've talked about this over and over again."You ruined it. She hates you. "Okay, sorry. I'll stop."Raven wasn't having it this time. She didn't even need powers to know he was just avoiding confrontation. "No, don't back down. You're mad at me, so fight with me.""I don't want to." The shapeshifter said quietly.She walked up to him. "Yes, you do. You're just afraid to.
Fight with me,
Garfield."Fine.
He raised his voice a notch. "I don't think you're being fair. You keep getting mad at me for wanting to be around you too much or for getting upset when other guys pursue you when that's all perfectly normal because
I love you!
I admit I handled it poorly last night and I'll apologize for
that,
but I'm human – I mean, you know, mostly. And you know what?
Maybe
if you were a little more open about
us
other guys wouldn't feel like they can serenade you!"Raven narrowed her eyes and raised her voice as well. "I have gone
way
out of my comfort zone for you time and time again and
you know it!
Can't you do the same for me?"His heart tightened. He did know that, the whole relationship was
wildly
out of her comfort zone. But that didn't change the fact he felt like crap. Before he knew it, he was shouting. "I'm TRYING to but you have NO IDEA what it's like!"Raven flinched slightly and glared at him. "I said fight with me, not yell at my face."Shit. I shouted at her.
Garfield immediately lowered his voice again, though it was still intense. "You know
exactly
how I feel all the time because you're an empath. I can't know how you feel unless you
show me
and you're all secretive about it! It's
torture!""That is
not
true! I make my feelings for you
abundantly
clear, but it's just never
enough
for you!" She allowed her face to show vulnerability. "How do you think that makes me
feel?"They heard lightbulbs exploding inside. Garfield stared at her with wide eyes.Raven took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I'm so
insufficient
and
defected
for you…"The grip around his heart tightened.
No, shit. What!?"…but if I'm this
unsatisfying
then…"
No. No, no, no. Tell her she's perfect. She's perfect.
"…why are you even with me?" She finished quietly.Despair filled Garfield's tight heart and he looked down and failed to fight back a treacherous sob.
Great, now you're crying in front of her. That'll change her mind. Loser."…why are you crying?"Man up and face her, at least. He looked up with watery eyes and realized there was pain on her face.
It's probably
pity. "Cause you're breaking up with me…""What?
No, I'm not." She said pointedly.Garfield's soft crying immediately ceased and his eyes widened again. "You're not?"Raven
wanted
to kiss his tears away, but if she did that they would kiss and make up and the conversation would end sooner than it should, like it always did. "Gar…we can fight, it's just a fight. I'm not breaking up with you, that was never even
remotely
in question."That was never even remotely in question. His heart was released from its tight grip as he allowed her words to sink in.
This isn't a breakup. It's just a fight.
"…oh.""By the way, why do you always think I'm breaking up with you?"Garfield bit his lip, feeling a little more comfortable with this conversation now that he knew a breakup wasn't even in question. "I don't know…because I'm scared that you will. And then I'll be miserable for the rest of my life, because nothing will
ever
compare to this and
no one
will ever compare to you."Don't let flattery make you look away from the problem.
Address it. "Gar, you're letting fear get in our way. I've done nothing to deserve this constant distrust."He sighed heavily. "I know, Rae. I know I was petty and jealous, trust me. But you
could
have reminded them you have a boyfriend. You could have followed me or said
something
instead of sitting there and letting Aqualad hit on you and Conner sing to you.""I was quiet because I was
sad." She said sternly. "You
just left me there and I was struggling not to explode anything or hurt anyone."The shapeshifter inhaled sharply. "Shit, okay. I…I get that. But it's just; you don't
know
what it's like to be the one who hurts the most in the relationship. It's hard."Raven folded her arms and glared at him. "You don't know how much I hurt."Garfield smiled bitterly and rolled his eyes. "C'mon, let's not pretend this is balanced."That annoyed the crap out of her. "Okay well what am I supposed to do? I've
told
you that I don't deserve you. But you just don't
believe me,
so what's the point? Should I reassure you twenty-four seven? Never talk to anyone who
might
find me attractive ever again?"The Changeling bit his lip. "No…but..."Raven frowned.
He's hurt. He resents me. "What is it? Just tell me, I want to know.""I mean…we can fight and this isn't a breakup, right?" Garfield asked unsurely."I promise."He exhaled and decided to be honest. "Okay, listen. I hear you, I do. You've done a lot and let me know you care countless times, but…I still needed it
last night,
okay? I mean, you snapped at me first thing in the morning and then…I know you weren't there when the guys teased me and I know you think I shouldn't care, but…I do care and you did sense me once you
got
there, right? I don't know, I wish you'd kissed me or pulled me aside or
something
to let
them
know how you feel because having to
convince
people you like me is like, really hurtful. I'm not that confident, okay? I wish I was. And I guess I'm wondering how you could sense I was that sad and not care. I can barely function when
you're
sad. And…I do need rescuing when it comes to Mento, okay? I mean, if going to Thanksgiving with me is such a huge sacrifice to you then maybe we
shouldn't
be doing this."As soon as he said it, he regretted it. Garfield definitely hadn't meant to imply they should break up. And Raven's eyes were wide now and she seemed tense and it was too late to take it back. He was scared again. But this time he wasn't the only one.Raven's heart was tight. Painfully, excruciatingly tight. Every word he said cut her like a knife. And then she felt it. Fear of losing him. Crippling, paralyzing fear of losing him. She fought against the tears trying to find their way to her eyes as the tables completely turned. "Wait…" She whispered, stepping closer to him. "Wait, don't…just wait."The Changeling frowned. "I…I thought you
wanted
to fight…""Sure, but…I don't want to break up."Garfield quickly shook his head. "No, I…that's not what I meant. I don't want to break up either. I love you. And I'm not saying this to make you feel insufficient or any of that. I mean
God,
Raven, I think you're fucking
perfect. I just-ohh." He stopped talking abruptly, because she was cupping his face and all her anger seemed to have vanished entirely.Raven looked at him pleadingly.
You made him cry again. You broke his heart. Fix it.
She couldn't remember ever feeling this guilty. "You're right. I am
so
sorry." She whispered, caressing his cheeks. "I can do better. I'll do better. Please don't give up on me yet."The Changeling stared at her wide-eyed. She looked sorry and vulnerable and it was already healing his heart at an impressive speed. "Giving up on you honestly never even crossed my mind, love. I don't wanna ask for too much…""You're not. It's not too much. I'm
sorry
I snapped at you. I
should
let them know how I feel. I mean, I
will.
And of
course
I'll go to Thanksgiving with you."Garfield continued to stare at her face and it melted his heart. Her eyes welled up and her voice was sweet and dripping with sincerity. "Really? A-are you sure?"She nodded. "I'll make it up to you, too. You're right, I should have…I meant to talk to you last night, I did. But I waited too long. It was selfish. I…I suck at this, Gar. Give me another chance?"He couldn't stop the smile on his face. Her eyes and voice were so blissfully kind and regretful he just wanted to kiss her. "Woah, Rae. I told you I don't want to break up. There's no need for all this. I forgive you."Garfield realized she had dropped a single tear and he reached out and wiped it. Seeing her cry shattered his heart, no matter the reason.Raven lovingly ran her fingers through his hair and turned her head slightly to plant a quick kiss on the back of his hand. "I got that. You'll forgive anything I do, but I hate that I made you feel this way." She whispered. "I don't want to just stay together; I want to completely heal your heart. I hurt you. You don't deserve to hurt. Please let me make it up to you."He felt like his heart was pretty much healed at this point. "I mean, there's really no need for that. I
was
an ass last night. I shouldn't have gotten drunk."Yes, there is. I don't want ANY part of you to resent me. "Will you just let me do it already?"Garfield grinned and raised an eyebrow. Now that she wasn't sad anymore, he could properly enjoy this. "I mean…how would you do that?""I don't know, I'll…I'll be more vocal. And I'll spoil you and I'll kiss you in front of everyone."He gasped. "You
hate
kissing in front of everyone!""I hate hurting you
way
more." She said sincerely. "I got distracted by everything else last night, but I never…I can't believe I let you hurt like that. I'm so sorry."The shapeshifter beamed.
Okay, she likes me. She really likes me.
I'm okay.
"I mean…" He chuckled sheepishly. "Okay! I mean, I'd like that. But again, I think you're
perfect.
I just…""You don't need to explain, love. I failed you yesterday; I can do better. I can do that for you." Raven smiled and ran her fingers through his hair again. He was blushing now and she felt lighter. "I'll do my best and…if it's not enough, then dump me. But let me try first.""Oh, it'll be enough." He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.
She's being so fucking cute. "I could never dump you. And I'll try to be less demanding, I promise. I know I don't make it easy for you.""Listen, I'm in this with you, okay? I just don't think that I should
completely
disappear into the relationship just because I love you, and I don't think that you should eith-""You
what!?"Raven stopped and frowned, being absolutely confused. He was feeling absurdly excited, but staring at her with huge, shocked eyes.
What did I say wrong?
"I…shouldn't
completely
dis-""Did you just say you
love me!?" Garfield's heart pounded in his chest.Oh. That. Did I?
The empath narrowed her eyes in thought, going over her previous words.
Yup.
She was slightly surprised. She didn't think she would have it in her to say it out loud. The weight those words carried freaked her out a bit. But she'd said them. "Oh. I guess I did."He wasn't just slightly surprised, though. His heart was pounding loudly in his ears and his face was flushed and there was sheer euphoria building up in his guts.
She loves me. She loves me, she loves me, she loves me. His lips spread in a gigantic, toothy grin.Raven rolled her eyes. "It's not like you didn't know that already."Garfield gesticulated wildly. "No no no, this is different. Do
not
pretend this isn't a big deal. You
said it,
you
actually
said it!" His heart was soaring freely now and his grin widened even more. "You
love
me!"She watched him with folded arms and an amused expression on her face, wondering if any two people in a romantic relationship were ever
this
different. "Yes, dork."The Changeling stopped and stared at her, forgetting all the heartache from moments ago.
Was this a lapse? Will she say it again? At least now I know for sure, so every time she calls me love I'll know she means it. But it would be so nice to hear it again. But I JUST said I'll be less demanding.
He bit his lip as he entertained his inner debate."You want me to repeat it, don't you?"Yes.
Garfield shrugged coyly. "Well…only if you're like, totally okay with it."Raven sighed and looked into his green eyes.
Who needs pride anyway?
"Gar. I love you."He fought back a squeal and beamed, feeling light and breezy and absolutely heavenly. "I really am
so sorry
for being a jerk last night.
And
for shouting at you just now. Am I forgiven for those?"She smiled. "Yes. I'm sorry I took so long to say I love you. I do love you. Of course I love you."His smile became passionate. "No problem. Seriously. Can I kiss you, please? I want to kiss you so bad. You look really beautiful and you keep saying you love me and I just…is the fight over? Can I kiss you now?"Raven chuckled softly. "Yes, please."Garfield cradled her face and kissed her deeply. Her hands ran up and down his back and he felt like he would never be sad again, because she loved him. Love doesn't just disappear. She wasn't just crushing on him, she didn't just love what he did to her, and she wasn't just deeply fond of him. She
loved
him."Best fight ever." He whispered playfully against her lips, making her giggle.When they went back to the ops room, it was stupidly obvious everyone was trying to fake innocence and ignorance, but failing miserably at it. Some of them were clearly suppressing a smile; others couldn't even look at them.Raven could sense it, too. They were guilty of
something.
"You heard everything, didn't you?"Ravager pointed at Superboy. "It's
his
fault.
He
heard everything."Right. Kryptonian hearing. Raven and Garfield blushed deeply."Hey! You all
begged
me to report, this is
not
on me." Conner said pointedly."So…you
love
him, huh?" Jinx waggled her eyebrows at Raven.Cyborg was beyond relieved and beaming at them. Starfire couldn't hold back anymore – she flew to Raven and hugged her tightly, making her grunt in pain."Please don't crush the love of my life, Kory?" Garfield asked through a giant grin.Starfire sheepishly let go of her, secretly freaking out about how much love she saw in the shapeshifter's eyes as he stared at her best friend. "Heh…sorry!"The empath straightened up and cleared her throat. "Okay, so…now everyone knows. Good."Garfield was on cloud nine. Aqualad looked grumpy and Conner seemed conformed.Raven bit her lip when everyone started asking a million invasive questions all at once. "It's not
that
big a deal. Don't we all have something productive to do? Nightwing? Isn't there an assignment or something?""Oh, yes, certainly." Richard said quickly, recognizing the cry for help in the sorcerer's eyes. "The Titans East were just leaving once…well…""Once your
juicy
fight was over." Jinx clarified, standing up and gathering her things. The rest of their team followed her lead. "Totally worth it, by the way."Raven rolled her eyes and Garfield just blushed deeper.Richard cleared his throat. "Right, well. I guess that's it, then. Say your goodbyes and those of you who live here can head straight to the training room.""So…there will be no more private conversations in this tower now, huh?" Cyborg asked Conner while they headed to the training room. "It was hard enough with BB's hearing, but yours is way worse…or better, I guess. You know, if you can't turn it off, you'll have to go out at night all the time. These people have
a lot
of sex…"Raven really did go out of her way for him after that. She cooked for him and gave him spontaneous, long kisses in public whenever she felt she could handle it. When she sensed he was hurting, she addressed it immediately and all her other concerns would wait – it happened quite often, but if she felt irritated she reminded herself of how cruel the world had been to him and everything she'd seen back when she dived into his mind. If she was having a really bad day, she told him in the morning, in the sweetest possible way, and found him as soon as she felt better. She made sure to touch him a lot more too and she even slept in his room every night for two weeks straight. She knew she couldn't keep it all up forever and he would never ask her to, but she was extremely relieved to watch how stupidly happy it made him."I should give you up, you know? But I can't." Raven whispered sweetly to him, caressing his hair. "I endured torture for months, resisted Trigon and Eclipso, not to mention the Lasso of Truth, but then you smile and all my willpower goes away. What's up with that?"She was sitting cross-legged on the couch with his head on her lap for anyone who walked into the ops room to see.Garfield chuckled breezily at her. "I honestly have
no
clue
why you like me so much."She smiled softly. "Must be because you're cute and funny and brave and really special."The Changeling beamed at her. His heart and stomach were fluttering and he felt like the happiest person in the world. In
all
worlds. "Thanks, again. You know, for…being more vocal and stuff. You have no idea. I know you're really trying and I really appreciate it.""Thanks for being patient. Also, I want to take you out this weekend and surprise you."His eyes sparkled. She had been letting him pick all their dates since their fight, which was already sweet of her, but this was different. Whenever Raven picked a date so far, it had always been something
she
would enjoy, so she'd never made it a surprise. "Woah, really?!""Mmhm. Don't worry, it's not the cemetery."She knew exactly where to take him. She knew the only reason he'd never suggested Disneyland was because he thought
she
would find it childish and crowded. One quick portal was all it took and he'd never see it coming.Garfield chuckled light-heartedly. "Okay but love, you really don't need to keep doing all this. I'm totally over karaoke night by now.""I'm sort of planning to continue some of it in the long run. It makes you happy.""Seriously?!" The shapeshifter sat up straight with a huge grin on his face."Well, yes, to some extent. It's not so bad. And I have something else…something
special
I've been working on. I hope it'll show you how much I care." Raven stopped him with a hand wave before he could ask more about it. "It's a surprise.""So many surpriseeees." He whimpered playfully, feeling a delicious ache in his chest.The empath just shrugged lovingly and mysteriously.Garfield smiled and leaned in for a passionate kiss. "Mm…I'm so lucky.""Me too." She whispered, smiling against his lips. "I'm never taking you for granted again, I promise. Also, I
am
yours. I don't mind saying it. I think I get it now."His eyes got huge and he pulled away to look at her. "You are? You don't? You do!?"Raven nodded. "I'm still not anyone's, but I'm also yours. There's this whole side of me I choose to share with
you
and no one else every day, so…I think that's what it means."The Changeling's grin got so big his cheeks started to hurt. And then he felt that still annoyingly present twinge of fear. "I'm yours too. Can you, uh…promise to never leave me?"He adored her to death for trying to make him feel safe, but the truth was now that she was openly letting him and everyone else know she
loved
him, he was ironically even
more
scared of losing her. He had no idea how to
ever
live without her now."That
I cannot do." The empath said pointedly. She still drew the line at empty promises.Garfield whined cutely at that and she chuckled and kissed him again."Hey, lovebirds! Let's go. Training time." Dick called from behind them.Raven contently stood up and floated away to the training room. Richard hung back and stopped Garfield with a hand on his arm when he went to follow after her. Once they were alone, he turned to the shapeshifter."I'm only going to say this once, and I'm only saying it because I care deeply about you both." Nightwing said with kind eyes.The Changeling gave him his undivided attention. "Okay.""I know you still get paranoid even when she's doing all this extra stuff. If you hold on too tight, you
will
lose her." Richard said plainly.Garfield looked down. "I know, Dick. I'm not going t-""But if you
can
trust her…and I mean
truly
trust her…I think she will love you forever." The Titan leader finished with a slight smile before walking away without another word.The shapeshifter stood there for a few seconds before getting over his shock and running after him, wondering if he'd planned this moment of wisdom ahead or if this stuff just came naturally to him.
She will love you forever. He liked the sound of
that.

Begging (Dua Lipa)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

When Richard Grayson suggested an Escape Room game for his team, this wasn't what he had in mind. He had hoped to strengthen their bonds while sharpening their minds at the same time. But while everyone was respecting the
no powers
rule, the only ones unraveling the clues were him, Raven and Damian. Ravager and Superboy had decided to lay back on a coffin – it was a Haunted Mansion-themed Escape Room – and exchange battle stories, Victor and Karen were making googly eyes and making out on a corner and Beast Boy and Starfire were goofily playing around with the props – except for when they were busy admiring Nightwing and Raven and swooning over how smart they were.Dick sighed. "What if I said that if we win training is canceled tomorrow? And that if we don't, it will be twice as long?""Sounds awesome." Cyborg said happily from where he was hugging Bumblebee, who was chuckling in his arms. "But I'm absolutely confident the three of you got this."Richard glanced at Conner and Rose, who just saluted him in agreement with Cyborg, then he looked at his girlfriend and the shapeshifter to see them dancing around theatrically with a skeleton. He turned back to Raven and Damian, who were focused on deciphering a code."You two, stop. You've helped enough; it's the others' turn now, or they'll never learn." Nightwing swiftly removed the paper sheet from Raven's hand. "Go rest."That put the others on edge as they began to fear having to pull their weight, but it didn't last long.Robin folded his arms. "What if they can't do it?""Then I guess we lost and it's double practice for everyone tomorrow." Dick said plainly.Raven took the sheet back. "Sorry, Dick. I'm simply not comfortable with that."Nightwing apologetically snatched it out of her hands. "Fine, it's double practice for everyone tomorrow,
except
for you two. Does that sound fair?"The empath pulled the sheet back once again. "It's not about that. It's a matter of pride.""Yeah, I'm with Doomsday." Damian said as they went back to deciphering the code. "I'm not gonna lose to some stupid room."Dick threw his hands up in surrender and continued digging for more clues."How much pride can you have left? You're in love with Beast Boy." Conner teased.Raven didn't bother to look up to answer. "I have
enough."Superboy chuckled softly and looked at Ravager for support."Sorry, if I hadn't seen what I saw from her, I'd agree with you." Rose smirked. "But yeah, she's a proud stuck up bitch.""Yes, I am." The sorcerer said intently, still working on the code with Damian."Besides, who doesn't have a guilty pleasure? I'm not judging." Rose smiled, playing with a fake prop knife. They wouldn't let her get in with her real knives and she missed them."Hey! I'm not a guilty pleasure!" The Changeling yelled from where he and Kory were now untangling themselves from fake spider web.Superboy chuckled. He had backed down from hitting on Starfire, Raven and Bumblebee for the sake of peace. Also, he liked his teammates. Sure, Garfield got on his nerves sometimes, but that didn't justify actively going for his girlfriend. Besides, now he knew she loved him. But he had to admit Raven still fascinated him – he was drawn to her darkness, especially when she was being defiant. The truth was he liked her smug little face ever since she told him he would wake up with kryptonite down his throat if he called her doll again.So, Conner Kent turned on his charming voice. "Hey, I wouldn't mind being a guilty pleasure."Raven could sense the shapeshifter's jealousy rising. It had gotten better since karaoke night, but it was still a problem. Every now and then whenever Superboy said something flirty or when they ran into Red-X or some fanboy that made a flattering – not even flirty, just flattering – comment, Garfield got overly territorial again. They'd had one or two more healthy arguments about it, but he said he was working on it, so she decided to be patient. Besides, she was trying to do better by him as well and that included shutting them down more adamantly."Conner, if you piss me off I'll curse you and your food will taste like vomit for a week." Raven said blankly. Superboy laughed friendly and Garfield's jealousy settled down, so she relaxed."We got it." Damian inserted the code into the locker. It revealed a secret door.Cyborg walked through it to see yet another room. "Great, another mysterious door to another mysterious room. We're
never
getting out of here.""Yes, we are." Raven and Robin said in unison as they decisively walked past him.Nightwing deciphered most of the clues, with the empath and Damian close behind. At one point, Starfire and Changeling accidentally opened a trunk with the key the others had been looking for while they were playing around, but they absolutely took credit for it. In the end, they managed to get out with twenty minutes to spare and Richard congratulated his team – though some much more emphatically than others."Hey, what are your plans for tonight?" Garfield whispered to Raven while she was ordering tea from the cafeteria.She raised an eyebrow. "A good book. Why?""I was thinking about using my
my room
card tonight. Would that be okay?"He had used nearly all his cards by now. But he saved this one for a rainy day. Raven had slept in his room for several nights after karaoke night, but he'd told her to relax about that weeks ago because he could tell she missed her alone time. But now he was feeling extra needy and the way she cleverly unraveled the clues in that game made him feel attracted to her and insecure at the same time, so he decided today
was
that rainy day.Raven smiled slightly.
The book can wait. "Very well."That night, when the empath carried her crystal to his room, she was pleasantly surprised to find it
much
cleaner and neater."Mmm, this is nice."The shapeshifter shot her a flirty grin. "Can't keep bringing a pretty girl into a messy room."Raven playfully narrowed her eyes. "What pretty girl have you been bringing here?"Garfield chuckled breezily. "Actually, let me rephrase that. She's not just pretty. She's
hauntingly beautiful."She blushed and the Changeling smiled wider and pulled out two cards from his pockets."I've decided to use them both." He gave her the only two cards he had left.Raven looked at them and realized they were the
my room
card and the last
expressing
card. She smirked and they turned to dust into thin air. "Okay. Let's talk."He sat down on his bed and tapped on the spot beside him for her to sit. Once she did, he suddenly felt nervous. She still gave him butterflies. "So…tell me something deep?"The sorcerer reached out and ran her fingers through his hair, chanting her words to deactivate her powers before the soppiness began. "I'm a little scared of how much I like you." She told him truthfully.The Changeling blushed and did his best to imitate Superboy's charming smile. "I thought you
loved
me."She rolled her eyes. "Fine. I'm a little scared of loving you.""In a good way, right?""Definitely."His heart soared. "I'm
terrified
of loving you."Raven smiled fondly. "You're just dramatic.""No, I'm serious. You're kinda really intimidating, you know? Like today. You were so smart. Thanks, by the way. For uh…for shutting Conner down.""You don't need to worry about Conner. Or anyone else. I told you, you're safe with me."Garfield grinned gigantically, brought her hand to his lap and absentmindedly played with her fingers. "Thanks. Sorry I'm still overreacting. I just, you have no idea how
agonizing
jealousy is. I feel like it could rip me apart or something."She frowned. "You're kidding me, right?"He stared at her blankly. "What?""I have
no idea
how agonizing jealousy is?""Oh, right. You're an empath. But you said you don't sense emotions on the same intensi-""Garfield!" Raven exclaimed incredulously. When he just stared at her again, she sighed.
He did use the expressing card; it's only fair I talk about it. "I watched you
date
Terra and Flamebird. Do
not
tell me about jealousy.
You're
the one who has no idea."The shapeshifter blinked at her with a blank expression on his face while her words sunk in. "Wait, that- no, but that's…that was different!"Raven pulled her hand from his lap to fold her arms. "How?"The Changeling gesticulated wildly. "Well, that- I mean, you weren't, you…we didn't- I mean, I wasn't…well, you told me- I…""Eloquent." The empath stated teasingly, raising an eyebrow.Garfield's mouth hung open and Raven gently reached out and closed it."I know I told you to date them, but it wasn't because I didn't like you. You know that. So, whatever you feel when someone flirts with me, imagine that at least ten times worse."His eyes widened. "But you…you
knew
I'd rather be with you. Right?""I knew no such thing, especially with Terra. You loved her. And I thought you would fall for Bette. They're both rays of sunshine, how could I know you'd prefer me?""That…but then…what? Are you saying that you, like…suffered
for me?"Raven sighed. "Why do you have to word everything so…intensely?"Garfield nudged her cutely, resting his head on her shoulder and smiling up at her. "C'mon I did use my card…"That's true, he did.
She sighed again. "Fine. I suffered for you, okay? Like,
a lot.
It was
excruciating. It was absolute
torture."He certainly wasn't expecting
that. The Changeling's heart accelerated at her words and he swiftly pulled her into his lap, making her yelp slightly.Raven noticed his eyes were darker. She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I see my misery excites you."He vulnerably looked into her eyes and whispered. "No, don't say it like that. I just…I didn't know. I mean, when Bette kissed me…but then you told me to leave you alone and I did like an idiot. I should have known. I can't even
imagine
watching you be with someone else in that way. If I'd known, I would have run to you and-mmphm…"She interrupted him by kissing him passionately. Garfield melted into it as he rubbed her thighs and hips. The urgent kiss became gradually sweeter and softer until she pulled away to smile affectionately at him."Since we're in your room…what if I'm sweet tonight?" She whispered.Garfield's dreamy smile grew even wider. "That sounds perfect."Raven slowly removed his shirt. "Lie down. I'm going to pamper you."The Changeling felt childish and sinful at the same time and he gladly lay on his back, grinning at her. Raven tenderly ran her hands over his chest before getting up and removing his shoes while shooting him a sensual look. He propped himself up on his elbows to watch her."Did you do this on karaoke night?" He asked in awe. It was such a simple gesture, but she did it with such care and affection it made him want to propose or something."Mmhmm. I'll always take care of you, even when you're kind of a jerk." She smiled. "Lie on your stomach."Garfield quickly did so with a giant grin on his face and Raven sat down on his lower back and conjured something in her hand. She slowly began rubbing his back with massage oil.It felt absolutely heavenly and he moaned with pleasure. "Rae that's
so good…"She smiled, blushing at his lean muscles. "I love you, Gar."Oh my God. I'm dreaming. I must be. Garfield smiled blissfully and prayed to whoever was listening that this warm and wonderful ache on his chest never went away. "I love you, Rae."Raven leaned down to plant sweet, wet kisses on his back. And that night, they made love. Sweetly, slowly and romantically.The next morning, they were still in bed when she cleared her throat. "So, love…remember the something special I've been working on?"Garfield frowned. "Love, is this still about karaoke night? I forgave you a million times, there's no need for this. Seriously, you're like, the best girlfriend ever.""Stop talking nonsense and let me give you this because I went through a lot to get it for you."That caught his interest. He narrowed his eyes. "What did you do…?""I've been looking for these." Raven opened her hand and summoned a pair of wedding rings on her palm before gently placing them on the palm of his hand instead. "I'm sorry that's all I can give you, but I hope it makes you feel closer to them."Garfield's breath caught in his throat.
Is this…it can't be, right!?
He inspected the wedding rings more closely and read the engravings with some difficulty, because these rings were obviously old and had been through a lot. But it was there.
You have my heart, Marie
and
You have my heart, Mark
were engraved on the insides. His eyes immediately welled up and a sob escaped his lips.
Oh my God it IS. It's their wedding rings. It's my parents' wedding rings!"H-how…y-you…" The shapeshifter finally looked up at her to see her smiling at him in a way that was both sad and affectionate. His heart swelled with love."It wasn't easy, but I have my resources. They're really theirs, by the way. I though you should have them. I thought you'd want t-oh!" Raven stopped talking when he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her so tightly it actually hurt a bit, but she didn't care. She just smiled fondly. "I'm glad you like it."Garfield sniffled into her shoulder and pulled away to wipe his tears and stare at her in awe. "This is the
best
gift I could
ever
get. You have no idea. T-thank you. I can't believe you did this." He went back to admiring the rings in his hand. "They would love you, you know?" When she remained silent, he glanced up at her and smiled at the skeptical frown on her face. "They would! I swear. I mean, how could they not love you when you do stuff like
this
for me?"She rolled her eyes sweetly. "Well, I'm just trying to deserve you."He scoffed. "Okay you've made your point, love. You're a well of tenderness and I'm more in love than ever. You don't need to push it."Raven just chuckled softly. "I meant it."Garfield carefully placed the rings on his bedside table and gave her his undivided attention.
Never. Let. Her. Go.
"You're my heart, Raven."A few days later, a young Robin approached Starfire while she was bathing Silkie. He wrinkled his nose thinking that was one repulsive pet, but he would never say it out loud – the alien princess would be devastated. "Hey Kory, have you seen Raven? I need to talk to her.""She's watching the movie of the small mermaid with friend BB!" She answered cheerfully.They were watching
The Little Mermaid
while Krypto snored on the carpet and Salem rubbed his back against Raven's legs. Garfield raised an eyebrow at her, deciding the distance between them was too big, so he wrapped his legs around her body and pulled her close. "Come here, my little mermaid." He held onto her, pulling her back to his chest and burying his face in the crook of her neck. She'd made that messy bun again. "Much better."Raven giggled at the sudden movement. "Stop startling me. We'll need to change the lightbulbs
again."He chuckled against her skin – tickling her and making her giggle some more – and then lifted his head to rest his chin on her shoulder. "You'd be a mesmerizing mermaid.""Apart from the oppressive father, the stubbornness and the desire to change our fate, I don't think we have much in common. Starfire is more of an Ariel.""That's still a lot of stuff in common. Also, she falls for someone from another world.""That's
also
more accurate for Kor and Dick." Raven stated. "Besides, I'm
clearly
an Elsa."The shapeshifter nudged her lightly. "You're such a smartass. I'm trying to be cute.""You just want to be Prince Eric in this scenario."Garfield chuckled. "Hey, he likes mysterious, mythical women with beautiful voices. So do I!"Raven playfully folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Why are you speaking in plural? Who are these other
mysterious, mythical, singing
women?"The Changeling grinned. "All versions of
you,
of course. I like all your moods."She smiled slightly. "Cute. Anyway, the original story isn't as romantic.""Oh?" He frowned. "How come?""Well, when he meets his fiancé he changes his mind and chooses her over the mermaid. And the deal was she would become sea foam if he married someone else. Her sisters give the witch their hair in exchange for a dagger, and if she uses it to kill the Prince then she can go back home and be a mermaid again. But…she loves him, so she can't."For some strange reason, as Raven told him the story, it made her heart ache in a way it never had before.
Weird."And
then
what happened!?" Garfield asked with wide eyes.Raven frowned. "Well, she dies. She dissolves into sea foam. And he marries the other girl.""That's
awful!""Yes, it's quite sad. Though she
was
pretty reckless."Garfield gasped. "She was
in love!"Right. THAT'S why it hurts more now. "I mean, technically. They didn't really know each other."The Changeling smiled slightly. "It's easy for you to judge,
you
would never be that reckless. Most of us are downright stupid when we're in love." He nuzzled her neck, making her shiver."Stop tickling me." The empath giggled, gently pushing his face away. Then she looked at him and saw his stupid, toothy grin. "I'm not judging her. Well…maybe a little."Garfield chuckled. "Yeah. She should have killed him."Raven settled against his chest again. "Oh, I don't judge
that
part. I mean…I couldn't do it."She frowned at her own feelings.
There it is again. That heartache. Gar falling for someone else. Me turning into nothing. Turning into a distant memory. Ugh. Why is love so pathetic?The Changeling wasn't sure why, but he thought she sounded a little sad. He was about to ask her what was wrong when she straightened up, which usually meant someone was coming. He sniffed.
Rose? Damian? They spar so much they're starting to smell similar.It was Damian. "Hey, guys. Can I talk to Doomsday alone for a second?"Garfield didn't really want to leave, but he didn't have a good reason to say no. "Sure.""I do mean alone…take Conner with you and go somewhere far, please? Just for a bit." Damian asked the shapeshifter as he stood up.The Changeling frowned suspiciously. "Okay…"Once Garfield was gone, Raven paused the movie and waited. Robin slowly approached and sat next to her on the couch. He looked around for a while and she sensed his anxiety."Stop being all mysterious, you're making me nervous.""I may have found something." He whispered. When Raven frowned questioningly, he elaborated. "I…remember your Christmas gift?"The empath's eyes widened and her heart nearly stopped. And then the power went out."Raveeeeeen!" Several voices shouted from different places in the tower.She bit her lip. "Shit."Robin just smiled at her. "Sorry, I should have seen that coming, I'll tell them it was my fault. Cyborg will fix it anyway."The sorcerer nodded. She didn't really care about the power at the moment. "Damian, what are you talking about?"He took a deep breath. "Okay, so…you know how Eclipso was a former agent of The Presence? Called himself God's Wrath and all?" When she nodded, he went on. "Well, there are other agents. They embody other…aspects
of The Presence. And that are currently in its service. There's the Spectre, he's Vengeance."Raven nodded again. "Right, I've heard of him.""And there's Radiant. She's the divine spirit of…well…Mercy. And, well, I found her."Her mouth opened and closed at least three times.
Where is he going with this?"If she's basically God's Mercy…I thought maybe we could plead your case." Robin concluded.Raven exhaled heavily and chuckled slightly. "Damian, that's really nice of you. And smart. But I'm pretty sure an agent of The Presence won't want to see
me."He nodded slowly. "Right, right. Yes, that makes sense." He glanced over at her to see her nodding along with him. "Except…I already made contact and she will see you."The sorcerer's eyes went wide again and her entire body tensed up, sitting up straight. The TV blew up in dozens of pieces, though. Everyone else rushed into the ops room in seconds – including Superboy and Garfield, because they may have been too far to overhear their conversation but Conner had definitely heard the explosion."Holy shh…Raven, seriously!? Not the
TV,
man! You're conjuring a new one." Cyborg whined."While you're at it, conjure a bigger one, will you?" Ravager grinned greedily.Conner smirked at the pair on the couch. "Why are you staring at each other like statues?"Garfield frowned and moved closer to them. Some treacherous voice in the back of his mind started trying to convince him Damian was professing his love for her now that he was a little older, but he quickly chased those thoughts away before they drove him insane. He knew Robin was like a little brother to her. Besides, Raven had told him in secrecy that she thought Batman's son had a soft spot for Slade's daughter. "…guys?"Damian put his hands up apologetically, still looking at Raven. "Look, I don't know what she will say or do. But…at least she'll listen to you, right? Personally, I think you have a stronger case than most full-humans." He chuckled."Friends." Starfire floated towards the couch. "Enough with the mysteries and explosions. Please. What is going on?"Raven finally managed to move. "I-I…" She cleared her throat and averted her gaze from Robin to the others. "I'm sorry about…you know. I'll conjure a new TV, or buy one. But…Damian got me a hearing with the divine spirit of Mercy."Most of the reactions to that were of absolute confusion. But the Changeling's eyes lit up. He remembered Damian's Christmas gift to her. He had tried to assist him after that, but Robin gently refused his help – apparently it was
subtle
and
on the down-low
work."You know…to discuss possibly saving my soul from eternal damnation?" Raven elaborated.Now
they got it. Eyes widened and the TV was absolutely forgotten. Richard headed to the couch and pulled his brother up, involving him in a tight hug. Damian grumbled a little, but accepted it for a few seconds before pushing him away and wiping his uniform. Starfire and the Changeling were giving Raven a sandwich hug. Garfield took advantage of the moment to give her a sweet peck on the cheek. She rolled her eyes at them.Ravager just gave Damian a nonchalant single nod. "That's cool of you.""It's more than that." Raven said, untangling herself from her boyfriend and best friend and standing up. "I don't know what will happen. I don't want you all to create these high expectations because I certainly don't want to create them myself. She'll probably politely deny me. But still…" She looked at Robin with wide, sincere eyes. "Thank you."That night was pizza night. And Damian told them all the details about the whole thing while they ate. Raven kept asking Garfield to contain his expectations, hopes and excitement so it didn't rub off on her since they would probably all be frustrated. He figured after everything she'd done for him lately, he could try to be selfless for her, so he told her he would meditate and get a hold of his emotions and that if she needed to sleep alone until the meeting, she should do that. He would miss her terribly, but it was for a good cause and it was only a few days away. And she was grateful for it.Apart from the two hours a day she spent reading everything she could about The Presence, celestial beings and Radiant herself in order to prepare, Raven tried not to think about it. She focused on everything else. She kept busy and trained, listened to Starfire and Bumblebee gossiping about their boyfriends – and even eventually joined in, got Salem new toys, investigated the Sirens with Dick – though it seemed they were mostly stealing expensive stuff and not planning a worldwide takeover, conjured a new and better TV for the ops room, and even helped Cyborg with the new T-Jet.Rose Wilson ran up to her in the training room after sparring with Damian for the tenth time. "Hey RaeRae." She greeted teasingly.Raven glared at her while continuing her Tai Chi practice. "Who told you to call me that?""Your boyfriend." Ravager smirked.The empath grunted. "I should have killed him when I had the chance.""Probably." Rose sat down on the bench next to her.Raven sensed nervousness, fear, anxiety and doubt. "What is it?"Ravager bit her lip. "How did you know that I-""Empath.""Oh. Right." Rose cleared her throat. "Well, I…I was just wondering…and it's completely okay if you're not comfortable with it yet, by the way. But…is there any chance you would consider maybe…you know…letting my father die?"Raven immediately stopped what she was doing and stared at her with a blank expression on her face. "Oh."Ravager frowned. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked. You're not ready. I just…you're not leaving him there
forever,
right? I mean, I would understand that, it's just…well, he's still my-""Rose." The empath said plainly. When she had the younger girl's attention, she took a deep breath. "You're right. It's time."Rose smiled her most genuine smile yet and Raven thought she saw her eyes well up a bit."I'm not killing him." The sorcerer said pointedly. "But I'm not bringing him back here. You can choose where I'll send him. We'll go over possibilities later, okay?"Rose's smile widened and she nodded, getting up to go train some more before she got embarrassingly emotional. She ran back to the tatami while yelling at Damian. "Hey, Batkid! What do you think you're doing with
my
swords?"Slade had been going insane. It was either complete nothingness or torture and living nightmares and he wasn't sure which was worse. He wasn't sure how long it had been, but it felt like years, and he was struggling to remember who he was.
The demon…the demon girl put me here, she said…she said she would let me die. Unless she died first. Then…Hello, Slade. Did you miss me?
Her uncharacteristically cheerful voice spoke inside his mind.Deathstroke's eyes widened.
That voice.
Who is this!?

The one responsible for your demise, of course. I'm insulted, really.

YOU. It's you. The demon.

Half-demon. What's my name, Slade?

There was absolute silence.Allow me to refresh your memory.
She spoke again.
Even if I have nothing left to fight for, I'll still fight against YOU. Even if I'm all that's left, I'll resist you. You'll NEVER have me.Slade felt his stomach turn when memories of her flooded back in. Her arrogant face smirking at him. Her screams. Her insane smile. Her eyes glowing when she banished him.
Raven.

There you go. So, did you miss me?

Kill me, Raven. Please. You said you would.

Killing you would be merciful. Why should I?

I'll do anything. Please.

Well, there's no need to beg me. I have a proposition for you.

He could practically hear the smirk in her voice.
Yes?

I'll let you live, in my infinite mercy. But Earth is my home. You can never return to my home after what you did to me. I can send you somewhere else. Somewhere…nicer.

…why would you do that?

You're still nothing. And I'm over what you did to me. I don't need to punish you anymore.

Where would I go?

She's playing with me…this can't be true.

Oh, it's true – and yes, I can hear your inner thoughts too. Somewhere where you're needed. Somewhere where there's people to defend and monsters to fight. Somewhere where you can redeem yourself. I'll keep an eye on you. If you don't use this chance well, I'll put you back there.

I'll use it well. You want me to protect the defenseless, right? I'll do it. Get me out of here.

…I also want an apology.

What?

You heard me.

He laughed loudly.
Crazy demon witch.

Yes, I am.

Shit. You weren't supposed to hear that.

Don't worry, I'm flattered. Now, about that apology?

…I'm sorry, Raven. I should have never tried to enslave you.

Well, as long as you've learned your lesson.

I have. Never cross you. Now please just get me out of here.

By the way, your daughter says hello. You don't deserve it, but she forgives you.

Wait, what? My daughter? My…

Rose.

Yes. Don't worry, she's fine. She's with me. She's a Titan now.

Slade Wilson knew when he was beaten.
That's probably for the better. Tell her I'm sorry too.

For?

For being a terrible father.

Noted. Also, Terra says hello. Remember her? You got her to betray us and then she killed you.

Vaguely, yes. Does she want an apology too?

That would be nice.

I'm sorry for manipulating her. I regret underestimating all three of you. Obviously. Are you done gloating?

Are you humbled?

Definitely.

Then, yes. Good luck, Slade. Do better. Remember…I'm keeping an eye on you.

Raven's body had been floating in her signature Lotus stance so far. Eventually the candles around her went out and she opened her eyes and collapsed on the floor. She was sweaty and panting and exhausted. But the other Titans were most concerned about the unusual expression on her face. She was grinning. Freely and wickedly."Did it work? Did you do it?" Nightwing urgently asked her."Oh, I did it." She said breezily. "He's fine; he's going to use his skills to do some good now."Damian folded his arms and smiled at her. "You taunted him, didn't you?"Raven blissfully looked up at him. "I may have rubbed it in a little.""Did you tell him I'm a Titan?" Rose wasn't worried anymore, she was grinning widely."I did." The sorcerer nodded. "I got you an apology." She chuckled and looked at Terra, who had come over just for this. "And you." She spread her arms wide open with the same content, but slightly broken smile on her face. "And one for me, of course! He
hated
every second."Rose, Terra and Raven shared a slightly hysterical laughter – the kind of laughter that only comes from laughing at something that once haunted your nightmares."Are you okay?" The Changeling asked his girlfriend through a sad smile. She seemed a little crazy and he knew it came from pain. It almost seemed like she was slightly drunk.Raven peacefully lay down on the floor and closed her eyes. "Of course, I'm avenged. And he's definitely learned his lesson."Garfield smiled wider and moved closer to her. He also moved in front of Conner, who he thought had been watching her a little too intently. "You really let him have it, huh?"She opened her eyes and shot him a small, mischievous smile. "I had a little fun with it."Everyone else seemed more at ease now that she was going back to her usual self.Raven intently stared at the shapeshifter hovering over her and put her arms up in the air. "I just reached to a prison-like dimension to pull a person out and send him to a whole other world." She gave him innocent eyes and a cute smile. "I'm really tired. Help?"The Changeling immediately kneeled down next to her and put his arms around her back and under her knees, pulling her to his chest and smiling. "Sure thing, my Goddess."The empath giggled softly when he rose to his feet with her in his arms. She rested her head on his shoulder, because she really
was
tired. "Shower, please. I'm all icky."Garfield chuckled and carried her to the bathroom. She was extremely sweaty. Whatever she'd just done there had taken a lot of energy. He gently put her down on the shower stall's floor and helped her, massaging her scalp when he washed her hair."Mmm, you're too kind to me." Raven smiled contently, with her eyes closed.He scoffed and laughed at the same time."What?" She asked softly.Garfield shook his head, smiling fondly. "It's just that…you just did this really serious, scary, dark and powerful thing. And at the same time, you're just so freaking
adorable."Raven gave him a tired, but genuine smile. "You're
adorable. You're my
light."His heart fluttered with that one. His cheeks burned and his grin widened. His chest felt all warm and fuzzy and it actually hurt, but in the best possible way.
Never let her go.A few days later, they were all outside the Jump City museum after hours. Raven took a deep breath and pulled on her armor. "How do I look?"Starfire immediately started inspecting her and making sure her hair looked perfect while everyone else stared at them quizzically."How do you
look?
Raven, are you okay?" Nightwing tilted his head in concern.Garfield smiled slightly. "Love, are you…nervous?"As soon as he said it, she gave herself away by looking a little flustered, which led to everyone laughing whole-heartedly at the rare endearing sight of Raven being nervous.The empath huffed and narrowed her eyes, regaining control. "Leave me alone. She's kind of a big deal, okay?"They tried their best to diminish their amusement, because none of them wanted her to change her mind about asking them to tag along. Raven took another deep breath and walked inside unsurely. Her friends followed her close behind. She knew exactly where Radiant was – her presence was overwhelming. It was utterly good, warm, and kind. And yet it was very,
very
powerful and intimidating. She followed her aura to one of the several rooms full of paintings. And there she was – glowing brightly, made of pure light, standing there and staring at a particular painting. They were all frozen in place at such an overpowering presence so close to them. The empath held her breath."Hello, child." Radiant said softly, without looking away from the painting.Raven didn't move at first, so Dick took a fearful step forward and kindly nudged her back, encouraging her. She took yet another deep breath and floated to the entity's side, glancing at the painting that had caught this heavenly being's attention so much."Do you know who that is?" Radiant asked, regarding the work of art.The sorcerer tilted her head to admire it. Unlike Radiant, it wasn't heavenly at all. It was a painting of Hell. As in, the hellish dimension where evil humans supposedly go to. And there was a sinister figure sitting on a throne at the top. He wasn't sinister in appearance – he was actually rather attractive. It was his smile. It exuded
cruelty.
It was a nice painting in her not-so-humble opinion.
Yes, everyone knows who that is. That would be Satan. The ACTUAL Satan."…that's Lucifer Morningstar." Raven said quietly, but firmly.Radiant nodded. "That's right. He's also the one who helped the warlock boy with those artefacts you so cleverly disposed of."The half-demon heard suffocated gasps behind her. Her own eyes had widened slightly before she just frowned in confusion.
Wait, what!?
"Why would Lucifer want to help Klarion?""I'm afraid his interests were more aligned with making
you
a trap than helping the boy."That confused her even more.
Why would Lucifer Morningstar care what happens to me? Isn't he busy ruling over Hell or something? Also, is it HIS power I borrow every time Gar and I have sex?
"Oh. Did he have some ancient grudge against Trigon?""He made those for
you,
not your father."Raven's mind was racing. "To…force me to
release
Trigon? Were they close or something?""No, child. To contain
you."The sorcerer was
really
taken aback by that. She inhaled sharply, unsure of what to say, and glanced at the painting again.
I've never even met him. Besides, he's Satan. In some twisted way, she felt rather honored."Makes you feel important, doesn't it?" Radiant asked through the tiniest of smiles.Busted.
Raven looked away shamefully. "Well, I…I mean, he is- and I'm not- I mean, I'm…" She sighed. "Yes. Sorry, humility isn't my strong suit. I'm working on that.""Oh, I know, child. Your human connections helped quite a lot. You've even fallen in love."Raven blushed deeply and hugged herself. Garfield blushed deeply as well and scratched the back of his neck while Cyborg gave his arm a congratulatory friendly punch."…I know it precisely because you
are
important." The spirit of Mercy continued.Oh shit. "…I
am?""And not just because of your lineage." Radiant turned to her. "We have been
watching
you, demon child."And then Raven looked up at her and felt absolutely overwhelmed. She had never felt this humbled before. So she just stared at her with wide eyes.
Who is WE? What's happening!?"You seek salvation for your soul." Radiant said in a kind voice. When Raven just speechlessly nodded, she continued. "I can't offer that. Demons cannot enter Heaven. Even hybrids."The empath exhaled softly.
Well, so much for that. Guess I have an eternity of being personally taunted by Lucifer himself to look forward to.
She glanced at the painting again and grimaced."You won't necessarily go
there." Radiant said, practically reading her thoughts. "If you stay on your current path, it will be much better than that. But it will still be Purgatory.""Oh." Raven nodded slowly, deciding she could make her peace with that. She could sense her friends weren't as okay with it as she was, but she would handle that later. "Will my friends go to Heaven? Some of them have taken lives, but…their hearts are pure."Radiant smiled. "Their path isn't over, so their fates aren't defined yet. But they all have a chance, yes. All but you."Her heart instantly filled with relief. Purgatory would be easier when knowing everyone she loves was safe and happy. "Okay, thank you for your time and-""I cannot offer you salvation, demon child. But I
can
offer you freedom."Raven curiously tilted her head. "Oh?""Like I said, we have been watching you. We have been watching since you defeated Trigon. And much more closely lately. You have done some impressive things."She couldn't help a small, smug smile on her lips, so she tried to hide it by looking away."But you have also exercised restraint when it was most important." The entity continued.Raven shifted her weight between her feet.
I didn't think anyone was like, watching."We are pleased with you." Radiant concluded.At this point, the empath was blushing. She looked up at the spirit of Mercy. "I…thank you.""I see your pain, child. Every second of your existence in this mortal realm is a struggle. Even in your happiness, you are incomplete. I can help you ascend. I can make you something else entirely. An immortal being."This time the gasps were louder. Raven herself let out an audible exhale. Garfield started dreading where the whole thing was going; thinking that she's intimidating enough as it is and what are the chances of her being with him as an immortal entity?"I…I don't understand." The empath whispered. "I'm half-human. I'm mortal.""We can change that."Right, I knew that. Don't be dumb, Raven. "But wouldn't I have to be tested?""Oh, you have been tested, child." Radiant said in a slightly amused tone."So, then…I wouldn't die. So…no Purgatory." The empath pondered, mostly to herself."Well, yes. But it would mean more than that.""Oh?""This world cannot contain the full extent of your power, but the Sixth Dimension can."Raven's mouth hung open. She knew what that meant. She'd read about it, of course. It's a realm out of time and space where only highly elevated cosmic entities are allowed.
What is even happening right now?Radiant continued. "In three days, I will open a bridge. This will
not
happen again in your mortal life, demon child. We will understand if you do not wish to go. But if you do…" She held out a beautiful, small iridescent stone. "Guard this with your life. It will be your only window to us. When it's time, in three days, it will glow. Say your mantra and the power in this gem will open a portal to me. And I'll carry you by the hand and turn you into all you
can
be."Garfield started to despair. He felt his heart tighten excruciatingly, because this wasn't how this was supposed to go.
What is happening? WHY is this happening? She's talking about taking her away. She wouldn't go, right!?Raven took the gemstone delicately, but securely, and admired it in the palm of her hand. "…would I ever see my friends again?""That will depend entirely on you. Once you've settled into your new self you should travel dimensions and worlds at will if you wish." When Radiant saw Raven's hopeful smile, she quickly added to that. "As long as you don't neglect your obligations guarding the Universe."The empath nodded. "This is
really
generous. I don't think I could, but…thank you."Thank God. Garfield exhaled.
She's not going. Of course she's not going."Before you refuse, let me be clear. This would release you from your prison of flesh.""My…what
now?" The sorcerer frowned."You've made yourself a comfortable cage." Radiant said, glancing at Raven's friends. "But…" She turned her attention to the empath again. "…it is still a cage. This would mean no more restraints. You wouldn't have to contain Trigon anymore. You would have the power to lock him away in some forgotten Universe or maybe even wipe him from existence by absorbing him entirely – his hold on you would be over. And you would be allowed to unleash your true self and full power. No more holding back."Stop making her think about it. Garfield started panting. His heart was racing.Raven had been listening intently and now her eyes were watery and her heart was hopeful and she forgot to control her emotions for a moment.
No more holding back. No more Trigon. Never mind my soul. No more living in fear of hurting the ones I love. No more living in fear, period. And then the Titans shouted, because the paintings flew across the room and exploded into thin air. Lucifer's painting caught on fire. She flinched and bit her lip regretfully.Radiant smiled. "It would mean no more of
that."Silent tears rolled down Raven's cheeks. "I…I'd be…"Garfield's heart sank.
No, no, no, no, no.
Please no. She's considering it."Free." Radiant stated firmly, but kindly.Freedom. She's offering me freedom.
The empath struggled to keep her heart from soaring to a blissful state of hope it had never been to before."And complete. But it is
entirely
your choice, child." The entity concluded.And just like that, the spirit of Mercy was gone and all the paintings were magically restored and back where they belonged. Several seconds of shocked silence followed before anyone dared to speak again."…well,
holy shit." Nightwing whispered.

Paradise (Coldplay)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

There was no choice for Raven. She had to go. She'd made the choice the second Radiant explained what it meant. It meant something she never thought she could ever have and yet she had longed for her entire life. It meant peace, forgiveness, freedom and a higher purpose. The only problem was figuring out how to say goodbye in three days. They asked the Titans East to come over once again to deliver the news."So are you going?" Terra asked eagerly."Of course she's going." Nightwing said pointedly.Raven was grateful for him. She knew he was sad, she could detect it. But his support was much bigger than his grief. He was happy for her. So was Starfire. And Cyborg, Damian, Terra and Jinx. The others understood a little less since they weren't as familiar with her struggles, but they would accept whatever choice she made. Some of them were actually quite excited at the prospect of being allies with a cosmic entity. And then there was him. He wasn't okay with it. Confusion, despair, sadness, resentment, guilt and fear poured out of Garfield and hit her in agonizing waves.Damian frowned slightly. "Yeah, I mean, how does someone decline an offer like that?""Well, from what you all said it didn't sound like she would resent it." Terra pondered. "Didn't she say it was her choice?""Sure, but Raven's power will be a thousand times bigger. A million times bigger. I mean, she'll be nearly limitless." Jinx's eyes sparkled. "Who would turn that down for a lame mortal life?""Isn't it lonely?" Aqualad asked."No, she'll be connected to everything." Starfire sniffled. She had already cried, and Raven had already gone through details with her. She turned to her best friend. "I mean, I'm going to miss you like crazy. But I'm happy for you. If anyone deserves this, it's you."Conner leaned against the wall and smirked. "Damn, destroyer of worlds. You're like, on a whole other level now."Terra frowned. "Will you ever come back? I mean, will we ever see you again?"Raven opened her mouth to answer, but someone beat her to it."Of course she will." Cyborg said surely."Well, she will have to protect the multiverse or whatever so that will keep her a little busy. She probably won't be around for karaoke night as much." Ravager said sarcastically."Will she remember us? Will she be able to help us if we need it?" Speedy asked."Yes." Kory answered cheerfully.Conner smirked. "Awesome."Dick chuckled. "Basically, we're getting a guardian angel.""Don't be selfish, guys…" Bumblebee frowned.Terra nodded. "Yeah, Rae, it's amazing but you don't need to go. Not for us.""What if you regret it and you want to take it back?" Aqualad asked.They continued discussing it, speaking over each other and making a bit of a fuss."Guys, I want to go." Raven suddenly blurted out.Everyone fell silent and stared at her. Krypto happily barked twice, with Salem on his back. Raven smiled slightly and caressed the dog's fur, taking the kitten in her arms.She cleared her throat. "It's not about power. Or you guys. I mean, I'll protect you, don't get me wrong, but…I'm not going for you. I just…it's a chance. It's a really unique, special, important chance. No matter how much I fight, I'll always be damned here. I'll always be…me. Everything is…difficult. I…I'm tired." The empath sighed sadly. "I'll miss you all so much it almost makes me not want to go. But I…" She looked away, looking for the right way to say it."No, don't apologize for wanting freedom." Nightwing said kindly. "We'll miss you, but we're your friends; we want what's best for you. This is what's best for you, so we're on board. We support you."She looked around and they did support her. All but one. But she was ignoring that for now, because she needed to talk to him alone. Everyone else was smiling sadly, but kindly. They would be alright. They were strong and they had each other. She could let go and find happiness and they would be happy for her. And then she would protect them and eventually come back as her better version to cover them in celestial gifts.Cyborg had been watching his best friend with a very concerned look on his face. Garfield was silent. He was immobile; sitting on the couch with his gaze fixated on the floor. And he looked serious. Victor gently elbowed him and whispered. "Hey, man. I think you might need to say something here."But Garfield just got up and left. Everyone stared at Raven with wide, concerned eyes."Don't worry, I've sensed it. I'll go talk to him." The empath said, already leaving after the shapeshifter. "Whatever you guys want to do for the next three days, I'm in. Make plans. Make ridiculously mundane plans. Damian, thank you. You have no idea."As soon as she was gone, Terra and Starfire immediately grinned widely at each other, thinking of a thousand different things those ridiculous plans could involve.Richard frowned at them. "I know she said it, but…let's try to not get carried away…"Kory beamed at him. "Sorry, babe. My best friend is ascending. This must be the best three-day-long-going-away party the multiverse has ever seen.""Now we're talking." Superboy grinned approvingly."Gar? Can I come in?" Raven asked through his door.The Changeling grumbled. He knew he was being childish. Everyone else was able to be all supportive about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Yeah but they're not in love with her, I am. He wasn't sure what to feel. When he stormed out, he was angry. He'd gone to his room hoping she would follow him, and now that she had, half of him was relieved and just wanted to open the door and kiss her senseless, and the other half wanted to tell her to go away and stop torturing him. If she was going to leave him, why not just do it at once?"I won't go away. I'll sleep here in the hallway, I swear." She whispered urgently.Some petty, vengeful part of him liked that. Fuck, I hope she didn't detect that."Oh. That pleases you."Garfield winced at how sad she sounded."Well, if you want me to suffer, can you just be angry with me face to face?"He frowned. She still sounded so fucking sad. She could just phase through the door. She didn't need to beg him to open it. Why is she doing that? Garfield grunted and got up to let her in, immediately going back to sitting on the bottom bed and looking away from her.Raven walked inside and closed the door behind her, moving to sit next to him. "I know you don't understand." She whispered. "But can you please not ignore me?"The Changeling's will was failing him. His chest was aching and he just wanted to comfort her. There was still a part of him that was angry with her, but the sadder and sweeter she sounded, the smaller that part was. Still, he kept looking away from her.The empath thought she would cry, but she just sniffled softly while her face contorted into a painful frown. "Gar?" She touched his shoulder lightly. "I have three days left. Please don't make me spend them without you."He closed his eyes and drowned in self-loathing. What the fuck are you doing, Garfield?You have three days. This isn't how you change her mind. Three days to make her want to stay or to say goodbye and this is how you're wasting them!? Please don't make me spend them without you, she said. What are you trying to do? He realized there was a part of him that simply wanted to punish her. That wanted to hurt her like she was hurting him. Well, that's just dumb. Ignoring her will hurt us both; arguably it hurts me more than it hurts her."I want to explain. Please. Please look at me." She whispered desperately.She won't sit there and beg forever. She'll realize you're not worth it and leave. I don't even know how she's still here. The shapeshifter inhaled sharply and looked at her. He could tell she was heartbroken. It was all over her eyes. But her frown softened significantly when he turned to her. She immediately cupped his face in her hands and gave him a soft, quick, light kiss and then leaned her forehead against his and took a deep breath. Garfield's heart accelerated. Okay, grow up. She loves you. You have three days. Fight for her."Don't leave me. Please." He whispered.Two lightbulbs exploded and Raven stoop up. "I can't do this with my powers. Wait, I'll get th-""Let's just go to your room." Garfield got up and gently pulled her by the hand.The sorcerer gratefully followed him and deactivated her powers. She pushed him to her bed and climbed onto his lap, straddling him and looking into his eyes."I want you to listen to me very carefully." She whispered tenderly, cradling his face in her hands again. "I loveyou. You were the best part of this plane, okay? I'm going to miss you so much. So, so much." She started planting quick, short kisses all over his face.Shit. Fuck. Garfield closed his eyes and wept. He couldn't hold it in anymore. Not when she was making it feel so good and talking about taking it all away to some higher realm. She's not coming back. She'll be gone. She will learn the secrets of the Universe and meet other celestial beings. She will be one of the most powerful forces in the world. She'll forget me. If she goes, I'll lose her forever. She'll never come back.Raven held him tightly when he started sobbing into her shoulder. Her heart was absolutely shredded when she saw him like this. "Shh, no, no, no love. Please don't cry." She buried her face in his hair and inhaled. And then she started weeping herself. "I mean…sorry, forget that. Cry if you want to.""Please don't leave me." The shapeshifter repeated in a strangled voice.She took a deep breath and whispered soothingly. "Love…you have a whole life ahead. You can live a full, happy life, but I can't. I'd always be cursed if I stayed. Please don't ask me to stay for you. I can't do that. Please don't ask me that."Raven thought it was selfish to ask her to stay, but she didn't care. He could be selfish, petty, rude, possessive and whatever else he wanted and she would still want to spend the next three days with him. Besides, he was hurting so much.Garfield slowed his breathing and looked up at her with a pitiful look on his face. "I thought…I thought you were happy…"She smiled sadly, caressing his cheeks and trying to memorize every inch of him. "I am, love. More than I ever thought I would be. But I'm still not free. I'll never be free…unless I go."The Changeling understood that meant he should stop asking her to stay and bit his lip to suffocate another sob. And he was grateful she couldn't sense him, because for a brief moment there, he wished Damian had never done that research."You can be angry with me if you want, but can you be angry while being close to me?" She softly pressed her lips against his.Yes, yes I can. Garfield kissed her deeply and desperately. She gratefully kissed him back, her hands grasping his back as if she wanted to consume him. He on the other hand, couldn't even decide which part of her to hold onto, so his hands kept urgently running over her entire body. Three days. Just three more days of Raven.That first night all they did was alternate between kissing and crying softly while holding each other. Raven told him this wasn't sad. This wasn't like when she thought she would die. She would be alive and well. Better than ever, actually. And she assured him he would be too. She would look out for him."Still, you're breaking up with me.""No, I'm not. But I'm not blaming you if you move on, either." She said softly, running her fingers up and down his back. "You're free to fall in love, okay? I want you to be happy.""Not happening." He muttered, nuzzling her chest.Raven sighed and smiled sadly. "Just know that if it does, that's okay."Garfield lifted his head to look at her. "But you're not breaking up with me?""I'm not breaking up with you.""So, then…what? My girlfriend will be like, an actual mystical entity and stuff? How will that work?" There's no way you'll still want me. "What about when I get old?"The empath chuckled softly. "We'll figure it out. I'll come back when I can. And I'll be almighty and all that, I'm sure I can find ways for us to see each other all the time. You can break up with me if you want, though. I would understand." But I hope you don't.The Changeling tried to let her words comfort him, he really did. But there was an annoying part of him that felt like the main reason Raven loved him was precisely because he managed to cheer her up. If she found such an elevated state of happiness, what would she need him for? Why would she even love him then?The shapeshifter scoffed. "I'll never break up with you."Raven just rolled her eyes. "You can still change your mind.""So can you." He said bitterly, because he was sure he wouldn't change his mind, but he was just as sure that she would. If she seemed unattainable before, now it was about to become painfully obvious."You'd be the first to know." She whispered.Garfield knew Raven was actively ignoring all his ugly, resentful feelings towards her for the sake of their last days together. He could still tell they hurt her, so he tried to work through them as well and as fast as he could. He told himself she was right – this was for the better. He remembered how he felt when she was hurt and he took comfort in the fact that would never happen again, and he induced a fragile state of denial that he lived in for the following days. The two of them didn't get much sleep for the next two nights because they were too busy worshiping each other. They would wake up tangled in each other in a way that almost seemed like they had merged into one person."Take care of Salem for me?" She whispered against his lips on the second night.The Changeling inhaled and nodded, but his chest burned in pain. Salem. He'll be all I have left of her soon. He kissed her deeper and pulled her closer. "Will you really come back for me?"Raven lazily kissed down his neck. "Have a little faith in me, love."The Titans lived in a nonstop whirlwind of fun and angst for three full days. Every day they got to know several different amazing sights and experiences. They watched the sunset on gorgeous mountains, visited temples, swam in the bluest oceans and went skiing. Starfire suggested Africa, but she made sure to ask Garfield first and he thought it would be too much to handle at once – he hadn't been back there in years and he was emotional enough as it was. Raven enjoyed every second she could; every corny-ass sensation. She laughed with her closest friends and she cried with them – that is, she softly wept while they cried.And Changeling did everything with her. It was blissful, seeing all these beautiful things and doing this amazing stuff with her, but then he remembered why and felt sad and resentful again – she didn't call him out on it and soon enough, he was enjoying her company freely again. Each night, they all partied and drank and someone always ended up crying. Raven didn't get drunk, but she often got teary-eyed. Garfield on the other hand didn't trust himself to drink at all, because he knew if he did, he would say things to her he would deeply regret. Besides, he and Raven were having sex all night after everyone else passed out, and he needed to be awake for that. Three days had never gone by so fast."Hey, man." Cyborg said to his best friend when he came out for breakfast. Good morning didn't seem appropriate. He already knew it wasn't a good morning for the shapeshifter. "Where is she?""Bathroom. She'll be here soon." Garfield said tiredly, rubbing his swollen eyes. He had been crying a lot more than her. She would whisper soothingly and sadly to him and kiss him gently, but she only really cried on that first night. He thought she seemed more excited about going than anything else. He was trying to ignore it, but it was breaking his heart a little. Which is why whenever he wasn't with her in the last three days, he was listening to
Breakeven (The Script) to bawl his eyes out in secret."You're gonna be okay, you know?" Victor said kindly.The Changeling wasn't so sure. After spending so much time so close to her, he only loved her more. It didn't even matter that she was so excited to leave him; he wouldn't hold that against her. She could get carried away. That overwhelming woman made her a lot of promises. If only she changed her mind. If she just changed her mind, he would be happy for the rest of his life.Raven meditated a little before coming into the ops room. The reason was she knew she would be going to her new life today. She'd said her goodbyes. She trusted Kory with her journal and sketch book, Garfield with her pet, Jinx with her magic books and crystals, Dick with all her other books, Victor with her music, Terra and Rose with all her clothes and she left everything else – including her plush turtle and giant teddy bear – to Damian. When she finally came out for breakfast, she was holding the small gemstone that was her ticket to immortality and wearing her armor and cloak – and the necklace Garfield gave her on Christmas."Look at you, all ready to ascend." Dick said through a smile and watery eyes.She returned his smile, not quite sadly but emotionally. Then she realized Garfield was eyeing her necklace and she touched it with her fingertips. "I thought…you know, I'd take a piece of you with me. If that's okay."The Changeling swallowed dryly and nodded. That's so fucking sweet. Why couldn't she just be mean to me for three days? Why did she make me love her more? He felt nauseated, so he picked up Salem and clutched him to his chest. "Of course, love. It's yours."It didn't take that long. It wasn't lunch time yet when Raven's delicate gem glowed a bright, ethereal light suddenly making everyone feel all humbled and grateful. She was on her feet in a heartbeat. They were ready for this. And they knew they would see her again, this wasn't goodbye forever. It was difficult and bittersweet, but not quite sad – except for one of them. Garfield's heart had dropped to his stomach and he felt cold and numb."N-No, it's…too soon…" The shapeshifter whispered.Raven wasn't listening anymore; she was smiling and chanting her words. Garfield looked around desperately. Why is everyone smiling?! What the fuck is wrong with everyone? The lights diminished and a portal began to form in front of the empath, immediately earning everyone's attention. It was unlike any portal they'd ever seen, it was made of something entirely good. He watched in horror as her eyes sparkled and her face lit up in bliss. If you love her, let her go. They say that, right? He slowly moved across the room. I'm pretty sure they say that. The portal grew and so did Raven's smile. Her eyes had hopeful tears in them and he felt jealous of an entire dimension, because she had never looked at him like that.He would do anything for her, so he had to watch, right? No, wait. That's not right. They also say never let her go and hold on to that one, right? And if I really love her, shouldn't I do that!? She started walking towards the portal completely hypnotized and he truly despaired. His carefully crafted denial suddenly fell apart all at once. She's leaving. No, no, no. She's leaving forever. She CAN'T. Stop her. DO something. Stop her and grovel later, she'll forgive you. Spend the rest of your life making it up to her and making her happy, but do something NOW. If she goes you'll NEVER see her again. He really would do anything for her – except letting her go.Raven could see it. She could feel it. She could taste it. She felt free and light and complete in a way she never had before. She felt forgiven and embraced and accepted in ways she never thought she would be. She felt peaceful. And she walked to the portal feeling nothing but gratitude because her heart was fuller than ever. This was right. It was where she should be. She'd finally redeemed enough to earn a less painful existence. Her tears of bliss made her vision slightly blurry. Her smile grew wide. She took another step and touched the celestial glow with her fingertips. And then…And then it was all gone.Everyone was extremely confused when the portal suddenly disappeared into thin air. Raven's desperate eyes hastily changed directions, searching the space where her hopes had been only a second ago, then she glanced at her hands and frowned. She looked back up. There was nothing there. Just empty space.Her heart was instantly shredded and she felt something she loathed feeling. She felt helpless. What did I do!? What did I do wrong!? Why is it gone!? It can't be gone. Please, no. "No…it…where is it? I…what happened!?"In the short seconds while the empath wondered if God's Mercy had changed her mind about her or if the whole thing had been some kind of sadistic lesson, she didn't look at anyone else. Until someone's voice made her."What did you do?" Dick asked sternly.Raven thought he was talking to her, so she turned around. And then she realized he was talking to someone else. She followed everyone's gazes and then her heart stopped and all the air was sucked out of her lungs. Radiant's gemstone had been crushed. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was who was hovering over it with a guilty look on his face.Garfield. Her body shut down. He did it. HE did this to me. Gar did this to me. My Gar. That…no. He loves me. I love him. He CAN'T have done this to me. If her heart was shredded before, now it felt like it was gone. And the void it left was somehow much more painful than a broken heart – and much more dangerous. Raven struggled as she felt her humanity leaving her along with her heart.The Changeling's eyes widened when he saw her pained face. Shit. What the fuck did I do!? "I-I…" He stared at the crushed gemstone and despaired. "No, I…wait!" He looked up at her with remorseful eyes. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean…I mean, I just…""You?" The sorcerer exhaled in a whisper. She felt her mind slipping away. There you go. That's what you get for trusting him with your heart. With your everything. She felt nauseated and closed her eyes to swallow her pain. No, he CAN'T have done this. It makes no sense. A single strangled sob escaped her lips. Or maybe it makes perfect sense; you've just been too in love to remember to be smart.No. Not him. Not this. Please."L-love? I'm so sorry, I didn't think. I just, I saw you leaving and I-Mmph!""Don't speak." Raven hissed in a guttural voice. She opened her eyes to see she'd glued his lips together and there were tears in his eyes. Trigon and her own demonic side were pressing her. Look at him. He betrayed you. Hurt him. Kill him. Take his life. Don't let him get away with it. She released his lips and stumbled backwards, panting and holding onto the couch for support. Shit. No. No. Stay good, Raven. Stay good.As soon as he could speak again, Garfield rushed to her. "Rae, please, I-""STOP!" She stretched her arm out and summoned a force-field around her, then she closed her eyes again and grunted in pain. Stay good? Good is pathetic. YOU have been pathetic. And weak. No more. Her heart was back, but it wasn't the same. It was dark and bitter, beaten and bruised, and broken in a way she just knew would never heal. Waves of rage and revenge lust washed over her and resisting them was excruciating.The entire tower was darker and colder than ever. Garfield fell down, desperately gasping for air. He couldn't shapeshift, but that was the least of his problems, because he couldn't breathe either. And he wasn't the only one. They were all on the floor, suffocating. Conner and Kory weren't as affected and tried to reach her to knock her out before she killed all her friends, but they couldn't get past her force-field.Images of Garfield crossed Raven's mind. Taking care of her, holding her to sleep, kissing up her arm, beaming childishly, nervously pouring his heart out, telling her she looked like poetry, holding onto her in the roller coaster, singing to her, watching her lovingly, protecting her fiercely, promising her he would never betray her. No, this can't be the same person. It CAN'T be. Taking away her shot at freedom, condemning her, controlling her, forcing her to stay against her will, betraying her. It was the worst thing she could have possibly imagined, and it was real. It was happening."Rae, please!" Starfire managed to shout through the tears.Stop killing your friends. The empath focused past the pain and released them. They coughed and desperately tried to catch their breath. Starfire ran to hug Nightwing tightly.And then Raven opened her eyes and looked at the boy she'd trusted with her heart. And something in her snapped. She held onto her chest. "N-No. No."She started laughing. It was broken, painful, insane laughter. Rose was the only one who'd seen her laugh like that before, but the empath had been powerless back then. She certainly wasn't powerless now.Everyone had recovered enough to stand up and they took an instinctive step back. Garfield felt like he would die from sorrow."Oh, shit." Conner whispered. Even he was concerned about this.Raven seemed to be going back and forth between having two human eyes and four red demonic ones. She seemed to be having painful spasms and with each one her face transformed, showing Trigon's heritage, and then she would grunt loudly and miserably and it would change back. She was sweating and clearly struggling and it was disturbing and scary, because they weren't sure they would get out of there alive."Go." Dick told the other Titans in a serious, urgent voice.Most of them left in a hurry and Conner immediately called Clark to let him know maybe they'd have a new apocalyptical battle soon. Kory, Damian, Victor and Terra stayed.Nightwing looked at her and moved slowly, speaking in a soothing voice. "Rae, can you hear me? It's Dick. It's okay. You're okay. Stay with us. Stay strong."Raven took a deep, shaky breath. Stay strong. It's Dick. Don't turn, you'll kill him. Stay strong."That's it, you can do this. You're okay." Richard encouraged her.Garfield took a fearful step forward.Her eyes glowed white as her head immediately turned to him. "Don't you dare come closer."The shapeshifter's heart broke entirely at that. She had never been this angry with him, but the hurt in her face was even worse. It reminded him of when he went inside her room without permission and she felt violated, only a thousand times worse. The slow realization he might have done something unforgivable here made him feel like he was still suffocating. He hadn't meant to hurt her. He didn't know it would hurt her that much."He won't." Nightwing said, shooting him a warning stare. "Just breathe, Raven."The sorcerer took a few more deep breaths. She wouldn't lose control. She wouldn't hurt these people. Not Garfield, not any of them. Don't hurt him. Don't hurt them. Whatever you do, don't hurt him and don't hurt them. A broken heart wouldn't turn her into a monster or make her forget her family. But she had snapped. She was broken. She felt gone. Get it together, everyone is watching this shit. They know it's because of him. Grow up and stop embarrassing yourself. She repressed a screeching scream and took control again.Everyone who was still there gasped loudly, because while she had two human eyes on her face, they weren't violet anymore. Her irises had turned scarlet red. She seemed to be catching her breath and not in so much pain anymore. She seemed to stabilize. And the force-field was gone. But they had no idea what red irises meant.Raven realized they were still scared. She straightened up. "It's okay.""R-Rae…" The Changeling wept."No." She glared at him. All the sorrow emanating from him only added to her own pain, but it wasn't enough to soften her. He'd cut her too deep and she wasn't quite herself anymore. Every time she looked at him, she felt betrayed and vulnerable all over again. "Don't…" Raven took a defensive step back. "Don't you touch me. Don't you talk to me. It's over. Just stay away from me."A strangled sob escaped his lips. She hates you. That's hatred. You lost her forever this time. You crushed her future for nothing. "No, please, wait! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to! Please.""Shut up." Raven hissed. "You prom-" She choked up and turned her head away from him to take a deep breath while he miserably shook his head, as if denying any of it was happening. When she looked at him again, her eyes were fierce. "You promised you'd never betray me. Liar." This time, her voice was as harsh as her words. "I will never forgive you for this."And then she disappeared and he felt numb, unable to move or speak or even think. His eyes were wide, but they weren't focusing on anything, because his vision was blurry. And he seemed to have forgotten how to breathe again.The Titans exchanged stares in mutual understanding. Dick and Kory left to find Raven while Terra and Cyborg stayed with Garfield. Damian went to tell the others about her eyes.Terra bit her lip, completely unsure of what to say to him. Seeing her first love this broken was wounding her heart. She just walked up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder to show support. Cyborg sat on the couch and uselessly tried to lock eyes with his best friend."Hey…BB? It's going to be okay." Victor finally said. His voice was soft, but he was frowning in concern. "She's just angry right now. She didn't mean it. Of course she'll forgive you."Garfield finally remembered how to breathe and inhaled sharply, exhaling shakily. He locked eyes with Cyborg and tears rolled down his cheeks. He felt empty. Not quite numb, but the way he was feeling made him wishhe felt numb. Sure, his heart had been broken before. But this was a completely different type of heartache. This was his fault. "No, she won't." Saying the words made his chest hurt so badly he almost grabbed it. "I…I think I lost her."And then he sobbed and broke down. Terra held him while he bawled his eyes out."Rae…?" Starfire asked softly from outside her door.Raven opened it at once. "Don't worry, I'm not murdering anyone."Nightwing frowned. "Rae…you know that's not why we're here."The empath bit her lip and looked away. "I've deactivated my powers, so I can't sense him. I'll be fine. Thank you, Dick. You helped in there. Also, you were right. You were right about everything. I just need to be alone…please.""Okay." Kory nodded, walking inside. "Then you can be alone with me. Honey, tell the others everything will be okay and there are no Trigon-related problems on the way."Richard noticed Raven didn't object to her staying there, so he left to calm the others. He was a hundred percent sure there would still be problems. This huge mess was only getting started. But at least she hadn't ended the world yet. And if anyone could help her, it was Kory.Starfire sat on her friend's bed and whispered. "What can I do?""Noth-" Raven choked and fell to her knees, grabbing her stomach with both her arms.Kory's eyes widened in shock and she swiftly kneeled beside her. "Rae!?" And then she noticed the empath was sobbing softly. "Oh, Rae…"When Starfire pulled her into her arms and embraced her, Raven cried compulsively. She cried the same way she'd cried in Garfield's arms after she realized she had been rescued from captivity, except these weren't tears of joy. And thinking about that only brought that memory to light and made her cry harder. Her body was sore by the time she managed to form words."I'm so stupid." The empath whispered in her friend's arms. "H-he just…I never thought he would…I'm so fucking stupid.""Shhh, no you're not." Kory stroked her hair. "You're brave. It's okay. It's not your fault."Yes, it is. Raven wept, more softly now because she was exhausted. She cried herself to sleep in Starfire's embrace.And she only woke up on her bed several hours later, around dinner time."Rae?" Garfield whispered outside her door.She had woken up to nightmares and had been blankly staring at the ceiling since."I know you t-told me to stay away from y-you…I just…do you want dinner? I'll go away. I'll go to my room if you want…I'll do anything. Please, just…say something." Garfield tenderly put his hand on her door, as if it was an extension of her somehow.Raven sighed and walked to the door, but didn't open it. "I'm not hungry."His heart instantly felt lighter. She's talking to me. Her voice was strained, though."I let you down." He whispered. His voice was strained too. "I ruined it. I ruined everything. I…" Please give me another chance. Please say you didn't mean it. Say you'll eventually forgive me. Please. "If you want me to go away for good I will, do you want me gone?" Don't offer THAT, idiot. Where are you going? Back to Doom Patrol with your tail between your legs?"It's not your fault."Wait, what!? "Wait, what!?""My fault. It's all my fault." She said tiredly.There were several seconds of silence."…Rae, can you sense me?" There was a part of him that dared to hope she meant it was her fault for wanting to go in the first place. If that was what she felt bad about, he could kiss her worries away and make her happy. If she sensed how much he loved her, she'd open the door."No, of course not. I turned it off.""Oh…okay. Of course. Then…why would you say it's your fault?""I knew it would end badly, this thing with you. I knew it was a bad idea. I shouldn't have caved. Now I'm paying for it. That's on me. I had it coming." She whispered. Not only was she condemned to staying in this painful plane, but she had to stay with this heartache.He actually flinched. That couldn't be further from what he was hoping to hear. And she sounded emotionless and sad at the same time. "N-no…please, love…"Raven opened her door to glare at him and he realized her eyes were swollen and her irises were still red. He held his breath for her rage."Don't call me that. Don't ever call me that again."Garfield tried his best to suppress the tears and sobs that were trying to emerge. Not again. She looked away and he watched her. She looked so tired. So…beaten."You know what the saddest part is?" The empath whispered.He sniffled miserably. It seemed like each second broke his heart a little more. "Tell me."I still can't hate you. I still love you. Isn't that just so fucking hilarious? Raven looked at him and hardened her face. "Forget it. You don't deserve to know." She shut the door in his face and spoke dryly. "Go away, Garfield. It's fine. I won't do anything to you. I don't want revenge." That's a lie. Yes, you do. "Just leave me alone before you do even more damage."Fuck. Shit. Tell her…tell her…He didn't know what to tell her. She'd never been this cold towards him. "I…I'll be in my room. If you want to…you know…I won't be there…" The shapeshifter decided to leave before he started choking on his own tears again.Raven did go to the ops room to get something to eat after working some magic on her eyes so the others couldn't tell she'd cried like a baby. She was praying to Azar and The Presence that he really wasn't there, because she didn't want to handle her powers around him right now. As soon as she walked in, the empath could tell everyone was staring and she could sense them intensely. They were a little scared, but mostly they felt sorry for her. Of course they do. You're fucking pitiful. She quietly floated into the kitchen to get some food."Hey, there…" Terra gave her a sad smile when she sat down to eat a salad."Hi." Raven said stoically.There was palpable tension in the air."So…" Superboy cleared his throat. "The, uh…the eye color is an interesting choice…""Subtle, Conner." The sorcerer smirked. "Not a choice. I don't know what it means, but it was the best I could do. I guess it means change. I'm not killing anyone, though. So there's that."Nightwing frowned sadly. "Rae…"Raven quickly stood up with her plate. "I'm eating in my room. Thanks."Richard followed her. So did Starfire. She let them in and kept eating on her desk.Dick sat on her bed. "I know you're not okay right now. But…what do you need?""I need to leave." Raven said somewhat sadly. When she felt their pain, it made her sadder. "I'm sorry, I just…I can't stay here, I can't. I can't see him. It'll mess me up." She pointed at her eyes. "It already messed me up.""You don't need to leave. I mean, he can leave too." Nightwing said pointedly.Raven shook her head, finishing her light dinner. It was all she had stomach for. "He stays. He needs it more. I'll be fine. Don't punish him. I'm the one who shouldn't have let this happen."Nightwing sighed. "Raven, that's-" Kory's warning touch on his arm urged him to stop talking.Starfire stared at her best friend. "You still want him to be happy, don't you?"Raven scoffed, leaned back on the chair and shot them a broken and uncharacteristically wide grin. "Yeah! Sad,isn't it?"They both just frowned, because they didn't really recognize this side of her."Where will you go?" Dick asked pitifully. He was the one who felt like crying now."I don't know." Raven stood up at once and started packing a bag. "Not the Sixth Dimension, I guess."Starfire bit her lip to fight back a sob. "I'll help you…""Dick?" The empath called as he was leaving her room. "Don't tell anyone. I can't do any more goodbyes. I don't have it in me."Nightwing nodded miserably and left."What about…?" Kory held the sketch book with Garfield's drawings in one hand and Michelangelo – that's how they called her plush turtle now – in the other.Raven's eyes welled up. She inhaled deeply and took the sketch book from Starfire. "For Azar's sake." She hastily put it in her bag and used magic to shrink Michelangelo and her giant teddy bear so she could take them too. Then she took the Percy Jackson books, the necklace, their carnival ride picture and everything else he had ever given her. "Don't tell him.""He'll come in here and see you took them…unless I tell him you destroyed everything…"Well, that's just cruel. "Fine, then…tell him I took them, whatever. I don't care." Raven sighed tiredly, leaned on her bag and whispered. "Promise me you'll take care of him."Starfire's heart broke. "Yeah, Rae. I will."The empath surprised her friend with a quick hug, pulled a sad Salem to her lap and just like that, she was gone.When Kory walked back into the ops room, Garfield was there with a blank expression on his face. Everyone else still seemed concerned. Dick eyed her expectantly."Raven's gone."After a few minutes of shock and explanations, Starfire glanced at Beast Boy, who seemed to freeze the second she'd made her announcement and had yet to move. She'd just told them Raven was too upset and needed some time away, but it was obvious it was because of him."Maybe you shouldn't have let her go. I know you guys trust her, but did you see that laughter?" Speedy shivered slightly. "No offense, but she looked a little crazy…""Honey, no offense, but…shut up." Terra said pointedly. "That's not helpful.""I've seen that laughter before." Ravager said casually. When everyone stared at her, she shrugged. "In the bunker, when my father tortured and brainwashed her. It doesn't mean crazy. It means broken."Cyborg frowned. "I don't think she's broken…""Oh, she's broken." Rose stated intently. "Raven hates being told what to do, right? And now the person she trusted most in the world walked all over her free will and made a life-changing decision for her?" She raised an eyebrow. "She's broken."Garfield shrank a bit. He knew they were stealing glances at him, expecting him to say something."In that case, isn't Speedy right?" Conner frowned."And how exactly did you want me to stop her?" Dick folded his arms in annoyance. "If any of you want to try and get her back, by all means. But if you kill or hurt her, I'll kill you.""Dude, relax. I wouldn't, I…I'm just worried." Superboy sighed sadly.Nightwing shot him a sympathetic half-smile. "I know. Sorry."Cyborg went to sit with Garfield. He was really worried. "Hey, man. Listen…I know that are you okay would be a stupid question, but…are you, like, in there?"Barely. Changeling nodded blankly. "Mhm."Victor bit his lip. "Kory said Raven took your presents with her. Like, all the romantic stuff you gave her. She took it with her."That caught his attention. He had been making sure to block as many whispers as he could, because he really didn't want to overhear anything if people were whispering about him. Garfield lifted his eyes to his friend. "She did!?"Cyborg nodded. "Yeah, BB, so…hang in there. You don't know what's gonna happen, but she definitely cares about you. It's Raven, give her time."Give her time. The shapeshifter nodded to himself, allowing hope back into his heart. "She took my drawings? The necklace? Michelangelo? The Percy Jackson books? What about the-""Yeah dude, she took everything."The Changeling's eyes sparkled. Okay. Maybe I can fix this. I'll fix this.Raven had been roaming the streets for a while when she sensed a slight commotion. She frowned and went to check on it. Gotham Sirens were quite stealthily robbing a bank. They were definitely good at being discreet, because the Titans' trouble alarm hardly ever sounded for them until it was too late. Oh, well. She sat down on a bench and folded her arms. Catwoman spotted her first, and then they surrounded her impressively fast. She didn't bother to unfold her arms at the sight of Harley Quinn's giant gun."You won't kill me with that, but you'll piss me off." The empath said plainly, already preparing to stop the bullet midair should she fire. "Don't murder anyone and I won't bother you."Poison Ivy frowned at Catwoman, who just shrugged to let her know she was just as confused.Pamela walked up to Raven and ran a hand through her long hair to spite her. The sorcerer slapped it away and she chuckled. "Feisty. You do know we're stealing, right?""I don't care." The empath said blankly.Harley Quinn put the gun down and tilted her head to the side. "Why are your eyes red?" She smiled greedily. "Is it some new drug? Do you have some more?""Aren't you supposed to care, though?" Selina narrowed her eyes, ignoring Harley's questions. "Aren't you like…a superhero or whatever?""Not anymore."The Sirens exchanged puzzled and intrigued looks with each other.Ivy smirked. "Did they finally kick you out for being too weird?""Okay, well…we'll be leaving, then." Catwoman said. Pamela was absurdly confident, but she preferred being smart and not unnecessarily engaging against this demon-hybrid witch.Raven shrugged. "Sure."Pamela and Selina were walking away with their money, but the third Siren stayed behind."Harley, c'mon." Ivy hissed, as if she was calling a pet."You seem depressed." Harley Quinn pointed out, narrowing her eyes at the empath.Raven looked up at her menacingly. "I can still kill you. Easily."Harley grinned excitedly. "Ohh I like that! Hey, is that your kitten?" She pointed at Salem on the sorcerer's shoulder. When she just nodded once, the blonde's eyes glistened. She even comes with a kitten. "Well, if you're not a Titan anymore, why don't you just help us!?"The empath frowned. "Because I…"She looked around, as if trying to find her sense of heroism behind a bush somehow, because it seemed to have abandoned her entirely. The truth was she wasn't whole anymore. There were important parts of her missing and she had no idea how to get them back, or if that was even possible. I could use a distraction…Ivy had been ready to scold her teammate a second ago, but Raven seemed to be hesitating and maybe even actually considering it, so she cleared her throat. "You know, she has a point. We could use a witch. And you look like you could use some company."
Rolling in the Deep (Adele)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Jump City's museum had a surprisingly large jewelry collection. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, gold and silver. And it was all currently getting stolen by Gotham Sirens – or just
the Sirens
now that they'd found a new favorite city to pillage."Titans, go!" Nightwing shouted confidently.The Titans engaged in battle. They would easily win and be home by lunch, but then…the strangest thing happened. Suddenly, they didn't feel like fighting anymore. The truth was Garfield hadn't felt like fighting before either – he only came along so Dick wouldn't give him a hard time, because he had been extra hard on him lately – but still, this was different.Their adrenaline levels dropped and they felt compliant and tired and even docile. Nearly submissive, really. They knew something was terribly wrong, because this wasn't how they were supposed to feel. It made it really difficult to fight. They also didn't fail to notice that for some reason, the Sirens weren't taking advantage of their current vulnerability to finish them. They just calmly went on with their crime. The same thing seemed to happen to every cop around, who simply disengaged from trying to stop them at all.Conner frowned. "What the…what's wrong with us?"Ravager closed her eyes. "I feel sick.""Yeah man, something is definitely wrong..." Cyborg checked his sensors.Garfield thought he was losing his mind, because this weird sensation everyone was talking about, he could have sworn it kind of reminded him of…"Raven!?" Bumblebee shouted.I knew it.
The Changeling's head shot up only a second before everyone else's. And then he gasped. She
was
there, strutting casually in front of the Sirens with a wicked smile on her lips. Only she looked a little different. She'd cut her hair again. It wasn't as short as it used to be, but the long purple waves were gone. Her uniform showed a lot more skin now, with cold shoulder sleeves and a V-neckline exposing her chest. Her cloak was now a cape attached to the back of her armor, so there was no more hood to cover her face. There was, however, a headpiece. It was all black, V-shaped on her forehead and it went up in spikes in a way that definitely resembled a crown. Her irises were still scarlet."Hey guys, did you miss me?""Raven? That…this…" Richard struggled to focus past whatever was making him feel this indifferent about this particular crime. "They're getting away. Something's…wrong.""It's her." Starfire whispered. She held onto her stomach and frowned at her best friend. "You're
doing this, aren't you?"The empath shrugged nonchalantly. "I told you I could manipulate emotions."Damian tried to feel angry, but with her manipulating them it was difficult. "I thought you didn't
use
this power."Raven smiled. "I didn't. But…you were right, that was lame. So now I do.""Why
are you doing this?" Dick asked, feeling absolutely sick at the invasive sensation."Because she's one of
us,
duh!" Harley Quinn chuckled hysterically, wrapping her arms around Raven's neck from behind and leaning on her."Get off me, Harley."The blonde pouted and reluctantly pulled away from her."Wait, you're a
Siren
now?" Ravager folded her arms, also struggling to remain outraged.Poison Ivy came to Raven's side all covered in jewelry from head to toe. "You know, we really should kill at least
one
of them while they're like this."The empath glared at her and she just shrugged innocently. Not killing innocent people and the Titans were her only conditions, and her powers were really useful so they'd agreed."Raven, what the fu…" Rose closed her eyes, because all her anger involuntarily vanished."Raven, this isn't you. You're better than this." Richard managed to say."No. I
was
better than this." The empath said intently. "Now I'm tired of being good. Where did it ever get me?"Nightwing looked at all the cops pacing like sheep. "You're manipulating all these people? Is this what you've become?"Raven smiled, though it was a little sad. "I guess so. Be glad it's not the world."Garfield couldn't say a thing. Her making him compliant on top of how much he already loved her was making it really difficult for him to even look at her. And then he was terribly hurt by the whole thing.
And
terribly guilty, because he'd made her snap like this.Catwoman came close to her and whispered. "Time to go.""Ah, yes." Raven stretched out her arms and her eyes glowed bright red. "Go to sleep."When the Titans regained consciousness, the Sirens were gone.Cyborg rubbed his head. "Man, what the fuck?""Doomsday wasn't joking about this…" Damian grunted. Emotion manipulation
sounded
cool, but it felt awful to have it done to you."So, Raven's a criminal now." Rose whispered. "What does that mean? Are you going to go after her? Because I…I know what she just did sucks, but…"Nightwing shook his head. "Of course not, Rose. She's lost her way, but it's still Raven. She didn't let them hurt us. We'll get her back."Starfire smiled at him. "Yes, we will.""I was actually expecting
something
like this…" Dick stood up slowly. "We just need to figure out how to shield from her."Garfield tried his best to cover up his heartache. "She made me an amulet once…it protected me from her powers.""Do you have it?" Richard asked dryly.The Changeling shook his head. "No, she took it back.""Well, then that's pretty much useless, isn't it?" Nightwing frowned.Garfield sighed. "I just mean…maybe it's in her room…""I'd think she'd take that with her, don't you? She's not dumb to leave it behind."Kory frowned at her boyfriend. "He's just trying to help, babe.""He's helped enough." Nightwing muttered under his breath.The Changeling pretended he didn't hear it.Meanwhile in a ridiculously fancy hotel, Poison Ivy leaned against the wall. "So you're really sticking with this
no hurting your former teammates
rule?"The empath looked up from her book. "If you want me to stay.""Oh, we want you to stay." Selina said, smiling at the mirror and admiring herself covered in expensive jewelry. "This has been incredibly easy with you here."Harley Quinn got out of the Jacuzzi and lay on the bed, grinning at the ceiling. "I've never been anywhere
this
nice! I love it."Raven smirked. She'd done the incognito spell so no one would recognize them. And she'd conjured money to pay for it. In reality, they didn't even need the robbery, but she didn't want to have to continuously conjure money, it was tiring. Stealing was easier – and more fun.Poison Ivy rolled her eyes. "Okay, fine. We won't hurt your lame ex-friends. Even though they kicked you out, so you should really rethink that. What happened, by the way? Did the marketing team realize no kids are buying your lunchbox?""They didn't kick me out, I left. Also, as nice as this place is, I've been thinking we shouldn't hide anymore." Raven said, still reading her book.Harley sat up on the bed. "We have to hide, we're outlaws! Right!?"The empath looked up and raised an eyebrow. "Luthor doesn't hide. Not hiding is a demonstration of power. It means we're not scared."Poison Ivy smiled at that. "Okay, witch. What about your superhero friends? It's not like we can give them our address and expect them to leave us alone. They might have a soft spot for you, but I'm sure they won't spare the rest of us."Raven shrugged. "I guess we'll just have to make sure no one can get to us."Pamela narrowed her eyes, fully interested at this point.Selina turned around and frowned. "I mean, we can't take on
all
of them.""That was before you had
me."Catwoman raised an eyebrow at the empath. "Are you getting delusions of grandeur?"Raven stood up and took a gigantic diamond necklace, placing it around her neck. "Maybe.""You're insane. We can't hide in plain sight." Ivy shook her head. "There are only four of us.""I
might
be insane, actually." The former Titan admired herself in the mirror. "But that doesn't mean I'm not right."Harley grinned mischievously. "Ohhh,
she sounds confident. Let's do it!"Selina narrowed her eyes suspiciously as Salem rubbed against her legs. "Is this some trick to spy on us or get us to expose ourselves?"Raven huffed tiredly. "If I wanted to spy on you I'd just penetrate your minds. And if I wanted you in jail, you would be there by now."Harley Quinn lay down breezily again. "You don't wanna get in
my
head!"The sorcerer chuckled. "I actually almost got in your ex's head once."The blonde immediately sat up and gasped. "Shut up!"Poison Ivy went to sit beside Harley. "Do tell.""Well, we had him captive and Nightwing and Robin thought I should, you know, heal the mess. Make him sane." Raven shrugged. "I didn't really want to, but…anyway, you guys busted him out before I could. So, thanks, I guess."Harley's eyes were sparkling. All their eyes were sparkling with mischief, actually, but Harley laughed wickedly. "That would be the
worst
possible torture for him! Do you think you could do it!? I mean…sorry, you just said you didn't want to. It's just that that would be
so
funny.""He hurt you, huh?" Raven tilted her head. Her aura wasn't
as
messy as the Joker's, but there was constant heartache emanating from her. She was definitely broken.The empath also noticed Ivy repressing the urge to hold Harley's hand.The blonde sighed, a little distracted for a bit, but then she grinned again. "I guess that's what I get for dating a psycho! But then again, I'm a psycho too."Raven smirked and folded her arms. "If we catch him, I'll make him sane for you."That got a very enthusiastic response. Harley clapped hysterically, Catwoman laughed openly.And Ivy leaned back on her hands, grinning wickedly. "Okay then, crow chick. What's this hiding in plain sight plan of yours?"Meanwhile in Titan Tower, things were extremely awkward."So…Raven's a Siren now." Bumblebee stated the obvious. "Aren't we talking about that?"Kory frowned. "Do we have to?""I think we need to decide what to do about it…" Karen said unsurely. "I mean, if she's committing crimes, shouldn't we…you know…?""Shouldn't we what? Put her behind bars?" Damian folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "Sure,
how do you suggest we catch her? And which bars will contain her?""I don't know, how about
Superboy
does something about it?" Bumblebee turned to Conner, who didn't seem eager to volunteer. "You're always saying you're invulnerable."He chuckled awkwardly. "Well, yeah, I mean, she can't hurt me like she can hurt you all. But I'm also not sure how to catch someone that can teleport, phase through stuff, detach her soul from her body…I mean, she has
a lot
of evasive maneuvers." He turned to Dick. "Didn't you take them all down once? As Red-X?"Nightwing frowned. "Well, I used a special tape gag, but…she relied on her mantra a lot more back then. She's grown way more powerful.
That
would just piss her off now."Starfire sighed sadly. "I can't believe we're even talking about this."Richard rubbed her shoulders in support and she smiled slightly."Did she take her crystal with her?" Ravager asked Changeling. "You know, the one you used so you could fuck like bunnies?"He just nodded blankly. Garfield was out of it. He couldn't wrap his brain around any of it. All he wanted to do was beg her to come home. He missed her so much it hurt.Nightwing sighed. "I'll try to find a weakness." He winced at his own words. "No jail. We bring her here and try to…you know. Get her back."No one argued with that.About a week later, Siren Mansion was officially in business. They'd found a gigantic abandoned place to their liking and decided it was perfect. There were dozens of men guarding it – mostly villains and serial killers – because Raven had bent each one and made them loyal to the Sirens. Some of them had powers, others had been heavily armed. The way she saw it, this was a good deed. Now they were doing something other than killing and molesting. She'd picked the most rotten hearts – with the weakest minds, because those were easier to manipulate – she could find. Each and every one was a monster. There were also non-lethal traps for most of the superheroes that could take an interest in them, including every Titan. But no one had tried to approach yet.Siren Mansion was a mixture of haunted house and tacky nightclub. The giant hall had a bar, piles of money everywhere, shelves full of books, a huge disco ball and a massive sound system, not to mention four majestic thrones – one made of an intricate entanglement of plants, one made of gold and every precious gemstone one could think of, one purely whimsical, colorful and always stained with blood, and the last one was…dark. It seemed like something Hades or Lucifer would sit on. Girly decoration contrasted with the spooky abandoned mansion's old structure everywhere.And then on the second floor, there were several rooms – but only four of them were neatly decorated. Raven was currently comfortably laying back on her throne, leaning her back on one arm with her legs folded over the other. She was lazily admiring the ruby necklaces in her hands while softly humming along to the chorus of
You Give Love a Bad Name (Bon Jovi),
which was currently blasting from the sound system by courtesy of Poison Ivy."You were right. This is
much
better than hiding." Selina smiled as a guy served her at the bar. "Also, I like having slaves. Nice touch."Raven smirked. "It's not like they were doing anything productive with their lives."Ivy was in on all of this, of course. But she also wanted to address something. She had been watching the way the empath was singing along to this song and she had some concerns. "So, Raven. Why did you leave the Titans?"The sorcerer narrowed her eyes at her and got up to go pick something interesting from the many book shelves on the corner. "None of your business.""Maybe she got tired of pretending to be something she isn't." Catwoman teased.Pamela folded her arms and smirked. "It was that green boy, wasn't it?"Raven flinched slightly. He was still so annoyingly present. She thought about him all the time and it only made things harder. Her heart ached for him
all the time. All the stuff he'd given her was in her room along with her now useless power-blocking crystal, just out of her sight. She couldn't handle looking at any of it yet. It hurt too much."I knew it." Poison Ivy chuckled. "What happened, did he dump you?"The sorcerer rolled her eyes and grunted."How are we going to be friends if you don't trust us?" Pamela said innocently. "You won't even tell us your precious Boy Wonder's identity. I bet you even know who
Batman
is."Raven shrugged. "I bet Selina does too."Catwoman just smiled easily when everyone's attention turned to her. "A girl needs her secrets." She absentmindedly caressed Salem's fur. He liked her almost as much as he liked Raven. "Still, Ivy has a point."The empath sighed. She was too wounded to care and if she was staying here they would know sooner or later. She was certain Ivy had already noticed she was bitter and heartbroken. "Fine. Yes, I left because of him. He…" She turned around to face them and swallowed her pride. "He broke my fucking heart, okay? Happy?""Very." Pamela grinned.
I knew it."Well, that's just
sad." Catwoman said in a mocking tone. "Heroes suck."Raven scoffed at her. "As if
you
of all people could judge me. Batman, much?"Selina chuckled. "Hey, I wasn't judging! You're like, really defensive, you know?""Oh, I'm judging." Ivy scowled. "I mean, you could crush him. Instead you let him break your heart. That's fucking stupid. No offense."The empath went back to picking a book.
She's not wrong. "Yes, I'm aware, Ivy.""I'm just saying…" Pamela pressed. She liked this witch for now, but she wouldn't pass on the opportunity to tease her. "It's kind of pathetic.""OKAY, Ivy.
I got it." Raven said pointedly, pulling a book from the shelf."Leave her alooone." Harley whined, getting out of her own throne and walking over to the former Titan, wrapping her arms around her and glaring at Ivy. "She knows exactly how pathetic she is, she doesn't need you to point it out, okay!?""Harley?" Raven turned her head to the blonde, who just smiled at her. "Don't help me."Harley Quinn chuckled sheepishly and let go of her. "Well, I'm not judging either. I've let someone get the best of me too.""I wouldn't say I let him…" The empath trailed off before she could finish defending herself.
Who are you kidding?
She sighed. "Yeah, fine.""Okay. You're
all
pathetic." Poison Ivy concluded.Raven raised an eyebrow at her. She could definitely sense some affectionate feelings between her and Harley Quinn. But they obviously weren't ready to unravel them, so she left it alone."Here's my
main
concern." Pamela said more seriously. "Is all of this just some petty revenge until you forgive him and go back?"The sorcerer shrugged. "It's more like a change of heart. And I can't forgive what he did."Ivy analyzed her until she decided she was satisfied with that for now. "Alright, then. Well, let's mess him up! We can bring him here and break him. Harley likes weird pets."The blond Siren beamed for a second, but she lost all hope when she saw Raven's face."We are
not
doing that." The empath said intently. "Let me be clear about this.
No one
lays a finger on him. I'll hurt you if you do."Sure, she may have asked Nightwing not to punish him when she left, but Raven would be lying if she said no part of her took pleasure in how hurt the shapeshifter was when he saw her like this and felt her manipulate him. Still, there was enough of her old self left to know she didn't want
these
three near him. She was the only one who got to punish him.Pamela rolled her eyes. "Lame.""I don't care. Now how about we find Quinnie's ex so I can fix his brain and break
him
instead?" The sorcerer pointed at an excited Harley Quinn. "See? She likes that idea too."Back in Titan Tower, Garfield fell hard on the tatami and grunted in pain."Get up. Again." Richard hissed.Ravager turned her head to the leader and frowned. It was the tenth time on a roll he made him spar with no powers, alternating his rival between her and Damian. She realized Nightwing was dead serious and exchanged a concerned look with Robin."Dick, man…he's exhausted. What are you trying to do?" Cyborg asked."He can stop when he wins. Robin. Your turn. Go." Richard said plainly.Damian scratched his head. "Ah…I'm kinda done with this, bro."Nightwing raised an eyebrow and looked at Rose to realize she wasn't comfortable with it either. He walked to the Changeling. "Fine. Spar with me, then."Garfield frowned. "You know what?
No.""No?" Dick asked sternly, being slightly taken aback."That's right. This is abusive." Garfield stood up with a whole lot of difficulty. "I can't beat any of you, okay? I'm so sore I'll probably be useless if there's trouble at this point." He glared at the leader as he left the training room. "Excuse me."Nightwing looked at his teammates and they all seemed to be on the shapeshifter's side about this, so he huffed and stormed out. Starfire followed him."Babe?" The Tamaranean gently touched his arm.Richard turned to her, immediately softening up. "Aren't you angry with him?" He asked quietly. "I mean, don't you miss her?"Starfire nearly glared at him. "Are you kidding me? It feels like someone ripped my arm off or something."Nightwing exhaled and nodded. "And yet, you were able to forgive him.""I mean…I'm trying to." She didn't tell him Raven asked her to take care of Gar. She hadn't told anyone about that. "It's just that…he feels bad enough. You can't punish him more than he punishes himself, you know? Besides, this won't fix anything. We've already lost
one
person…"Richard was about to argue with that, but then his phone rang. He glanced at it and sighed. "Training's over. Tell the others to head to the ops room." He answered his phone. "Bruce.""Hi, Dick. We need to talk about Raven.""It's really not that bad. I'm pretty sure she hasn't even told them our real names.""Not that bad? What's
Siren Mansion?"Nightwing rolled his eyes. "Okay, but listen. They're mostly reformed. They haven't killed anyone since she joined.""Haven't they enslaved a bunch of people?""Have you seen their files? Most of them were child molesters or murderers.""Dick…""I know. I'll handle it.""This is too personal for you. She's completely out of control."Richard scoffed. "Well, she's definitely not
completely
out of control…"Batman cleared his throat. "Right, I know. Still, you can't just let her do whatever she wants.""I'm not
letting
her do anything. I'm just a smart guy with a bo-staff, Bruce. I don't know how to stop her. I'm open to suggestions.""We thought maybe we should interfere. Clark could go in and-""No, don't!" Dick said, joining the others in the ops room. "Don't hurt her."Starfire widened fearful eyes at him."…I think she can take care of herself, Nightwing." Batman said after a few seconds."Not as well as you'd think. Besides, if she feels threatened that might make it worse.""…what's your plan, then?""Look, no one's getting hurt. I think I can get to her, we just need time.""I hope you're right.""Me too."Dick hung up and sighed, cradling his head in his hands. Kory rubbed his shoulders."What if you pretend you want to join them and spy? Try to find a weak spot?" Damian asked Terra, who had come over with Kid Flash. "I mean, you fooled her before…""No, if anyone's going in there it should be me." Ravager said. "I've bonded with all of them.""That's true…" Conner pondered."It's dangerous." Robin frowned at Rose, who just raised an eyebrow at him.The Changeling's head shot up. "It's
too
dangerous. Neither of you should do it."
This is my mess, I should clean it up. Except…I don't know how."And it wouldn't work." Terra said sadly. "She trusted me because she wanted to. She's not as innocent…I mean, I don't think she wants to trust
anyone
right now.""Not to be a jerk, but…don't we
know
a weak spot?" Kid Flash tilted his head towards Garfield.The shapeshifter felt his stomach turn and thought he might puke.Superboy chuckled. "What? The weak spot that made her go rogue in the first place? Yeah, let's use that. That'll piss her off even more.""Conner's right." Richard said plainly. "Besides, we wouldn't-""Red-X is back." Cyborg said, watching the cameras.Nightwing nodded. "Okay, let him in."Victor went to sit next to Garfield and whispered to him. "Hey man, how are you doing?"The Changeling gave him a pitiful look that meant
what do you think?
His eyes were swollen from all the crying and he felt empty inside."I was thinking…maybe you should try talking to her alone next time we engage against them." Cyborg whispered. "She won't hurt you. I'm sure of it."Garfield frowned. "There's nothing I want more, trust me. I just…what will I even say to her?""Whatever is in your heart." The half-robot smiled encouragingly.Red-X entered the ops room with Nightwing."So? Did you go inside?" Kid Flash asked X."Oh, I did. I went in and did business with them.
Profitable
business.""Well? What's it like?" Terra asked eagerly."They're like,
filthy
rich. They have a bunch of alliances too. Definitely building an empire.""Awesome." Conner stated sarcastically."Also, Raven looks
hot." Red-X added. When Garfield glared daggers at him, he chuckled, putting his hands up in the air. "I'm not the one you need to worry about.
Klarion
was there."The Changeling frowned. "Klarion? And he's not dead?"X shook his head. "He pledged eternal allegiance. She was definitely interested."Garfield narrowed his eyes. "You're lying.""I'm really not." Red-X chuckled. "I don't know
what
you did, but I think she's pissed at you."The shapeshifter's heart dropped.
There's no way she would get with Klarion. Is there?"Any
useful
information?" Ravager raised an eyebrow at X. She really wanted to get Raven back. She was the one who turned her in the first place. Now it felt like they just switched places and the world was all wrong again."Not really. Oh! Raven's eyes are r-""Red. Yeah, we know." Nightwing sighed. "Is that it?""Basically. They're really comfortable in there."A few days later, Batman called again to let them know the Sirens were in Gotham. So the Titans boarded the T-Jet and got there just in time to help him and Batgirl attempt to stop them from busting the Joker out of Arkham Asylum. The Sirens' small army had gotten bigger. Many of them were powerful villains and the others were heavily equipped with weaponry, so it really wasn't easy to get anywhere near the actual Sirens. But Ravager, Robin and Changeling managed to find their way through. Raven wasn't there, but the others were. Harley dropped a cuffed Joker on a chair before engaging in battle against Rose and Catwoman kept Damian busy. Garfield felt his insides being manipulated again. But this wasn't Raven."Hey there, sweet thing." An extremely seductive voice called behind him.The Changeling felt an unbearably strong urge to turn around and follow that voice anywhere. He did turn. It was Poison Ivy. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that meant trouble, but he still couldn't move when she menacingly walked towards him."Give me a kiss, beastie." She whispered. "I'd like to see what all the fuss is about."He was leaning in to kiss her already when the hold she had on him was completely replaced by a
much
stronger hold from someone else. He smelled lavender."Get away from her." Her familiar voice commanded.Raven.
He turned around desperately and his heart ached at the sight of her."Arthur, where do you think you're going?" Raven asked sensually.The Joker had been escaping, but he unwillingly turned around and walked right back."Don't you want to please me, Arthur?" The empath said through a subtle, flirty smile. When he just nodded idiotically, she pushed him to Poison Ivy. "Instead of playing around, make sure he doesn't get away again, yes? I'll go fix that mess outside."Raven turned around to leave, but Garfield desperately reached out and held her arm. She immediately phased through him."Wait!
Please, wait!" The Changeling shouted as she began to teleport."For
what?" Raven hissed.The shapeshifter inhaled sharply.
Okay, she stopped teleporting. Now what?
He felt his eyes well up. "I know this is all my fault. Tell me how to fix it. Please, Rae. This isn't you. This is insane. What will it take for you to come home?""I told you it's
my
fault for letting you do this to me. You
can't
fix it.
Don't
call me Rae. This
is
me now. I don't
care
what your notion of sanity is. And Titan Tower isn't
home
anymore." Raven said coldly before teleporting out of there.Garfield ran outside to see her smiling wickedly with her arms stretched out and eyes glowing bright red, making dozens of people do her bidding at once. It gave him chills and he chickened out of trying to talk to her again. But someone else didn't."Raven."The empath stopped dead in her tracks at the sound of Richard's firm voice, just before she could leave through a portal. "Nightwing.""Aren't you going to talk to me?""I miss you too, but that doesn't change anything.""You manipulated our emotions." Dick said sternly. "You've been crossing a lot of lines. Where will this madness end?"She inhaled deeply. "You're not my boss anymore, Nightwing."He huffed loudly. "As if you ever thought of me that way. Am I not your
friend?"Raven exhaled and turned around. Richard's severe expression instantly softened when he saw how sad she looked.The empath frowned, trying to keep her face deprived of vulnerability. She didn't really succeed, though. "Dick,
trust
me…this is the
best
version of me I can manage now.""That…" Nightwing felt like he might choke up. "I believe you, but…""That makes us enemies, I know." She looked away. "You have to try to stop me. I understand."Richard frowned. "Can't you just come home? Did he really do
that
much damage?"She took a step back towards the portal and opened her mouth, but no sound came out for a few seconds until she found her voice again. "Tell Kor I miss her too."And then Raven was gone."I think I might go to Jump City with you guys, if that's okay." Batgirl said. She really did want to go where the Sirens were, especially if they were getting out of hand."I think that's a good idea, Babs." Nightwing nodded, still staring at the now empty space where his friend had just been and disappeared again before his eyes.The next morning, Garfield didn't go out for breakfast. He had barely eaten since she left, but he usually dragged himself out of bed. But his nightmares were getting worse and there was no Raven to put him to sleep. No Raven to heal his bruises. No Raven to ease his insecurities with reassuring words. No Raven to smile at him and make him feel amazing. No Raven to defend him when Dick was too hard on him. There was no Raven left because she was gone. She was gone because of him.He'd tried sleeping in her room, but it made him feel even emptier inside, so he went back to his own room. But he felt particularly miserable this morning, because he'd dreamed about Raven under moonlight, asking him to have sex with her in the cutest possible way as if she didn't know it was all he wanted. He dreamed about her surprising him by kissing him to make him stop talking. And then he woke up to a sore body, a cold bed, and no Raven. He was afraid to go back to sleep, but he also didn't want to
exist
at the moment, so he stayed in bed. And then someone knocked on his door.
Cyborg."Go away." Garfield mumbled, curling up into a ball and pulling his sheets closer to his body."C'mon man, I'm just bringing you tofu." Victor said softly."Not hungry.""I also need to talk to you. It's important."The Changeling grunted loudly. "Fine. Come in."Cyborg stepped inside, shutting the door behind him and pulling up a chair to sit in front of his friend's bed. He put the breakfast tray down on his desk and frowned at the shapeshifter."What's this about?" Garfield asked miserably."You look awful." Victor said plainly. There were dark circles under his eyes and the half-robot could swear his hair was so sweaty it looked like he didn't shower after their battle last night."Jeez,
thanks." The Changeling said sarcastically, pulling the sheets over his head."Did you talk to her?" Victor asked quietly."Yeah.""And?""And nothing. She hates me." Garfield squeezed his eyes shut to fight back tears, even though Cyborg couldn't see his face.Victor sighed. "Dude, she doesn't hate you. She said she loved you, like, two weeks ago.""So? Now she hates me. She probably took my stuff so she could burn it or something.""Well, this isn't how you get her back. I mean, if that's still what you want."The Changeling scowled. "I don't get her back
at all,
Vic." He removed the sheets from over his head and glared at his best friend. "Don't you get it? She said she will
never
forgive me. She never says anything she doesn't mean.""Yeah, sure. She meant it in
that
moment, but things can change. You gotta man up, though."In reality, Victor had no idea if his friend could ever get her back, but he needed to inspire
some
sort of different reaction out of him.Garfield aggressively shook his head. "I…I was
so
happy, Vic.""I know, man. I know. But listen, we
need
you. And she needs you.""No one needs me." The shapeshifter covered his face again. "Go away."Cyborg thought about saying something else, but he wasn't sure how to pull Garfield out of this particular funk. So he sighed, stood up and left him alone."Bruce?" Nightwing answered his phone later that day.The Changeling had tried staying in his room all day crying over her, but Richard wouldn't let him miss training. Also, he wanted to thank Damian and Rose for not telling Dick about him almost kissing Poison Ivy. He sighed in relief when Nightwing answered his phone and stopped yelling animal names for him to change into at an insane speed."Dick? I think she did something."Richard felt his blood run cold.
Did she kill someone?
He swallowed, put Batman on speaker and held Starfire's hand. "What did she do?""It's the Joker. He turned himself in. He's…well, he's not crazy anymore."Dick and Kory exchanged a meaningful look while everyone else gasped loudly.Nightwing cleared his throat. "Well, that's good, right?""In a way. He's definitely traumatized. Apparently he won't stop crying now."Richard rolled his eyes. "Well, excuse me for not shedding a tear for him.""No, Dick, you misunderstand me. The Joker isn't the problem. He won't be a problem again for a while. And you're right, that's a good thing. But…his mind was a sadistic mess. What did going inside it do to
her?"Nightwing closed his eyes.
Right. Shit. "You have a point. I'll keep an eye on things. If she's still
her,
she'll take a few days off to cool down. If anything
does
happen, I'll let you know.""Okay, but Dick, this is a bad sign…""I don't think so. Damian and I asked her to do that once. We thought it was a good idea…""Oh, I see." Bruce made a long pause. "You asked her to go inside
the Joker's mind?
And you thought it was a
good idea?"Nightwing and Robin both flinched at Batman's stern voice and disapproving tone."Yeah…I thought she could handle it." Richard owned up to it. "I…I still do." He did his best to sound confident."Well…let's hope you're right." Bruce said before hanging up.Raven frowned at the weird sensation of being transported against her will. She wasn't sure where she was and her vision was blurry, but she was on her knees, her heart was pounding in her chest and she had an awful feeling in her gut that she'd done something terrible. The sorcerer quickly realized whatever she was kneeling on was a rather irregular surface and looked down. And then she saw them.Corpses. Dozens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of corpses. All dead and dismantled. She started panting and looked around in horror and then her heart stopped, because she recognized some of them. She saw Garfield first. Then Kory, Dick, Damian, Rose, Victor, Terra and all her friends. She saw the Justice League and the Sirens and some of the people she knew from walking around Jump City. She definitely saw the book store guy and the pizza place girl. Desperate tears rolled down her cheeks."W-what happened!?""It was
you." A sinister voice echoed in the darkness.That feeling in her gut. She felt sick and realized her hands were wet, so she glanced at them – they were covered in blood up to her elbows. And then she just
knew. She knew she'd killed everyone. Raven looked down at herself and realized she was
all
covered in blood.
Their
blood. She examined the pile of dead bodies under her again in utter despair. And then her eyes turned completely black, the same way they had when she battled Eclipso.
I killed them. She sobbed uncontrollably.
NO I can't have killed them! I wouldn't! I didn't!"You're a monster."
The voice spoke again.She felt herself being pulled out and transported. And then, to her relief, the bodies were gone. She wiped her tears and tried to figure out where she was. It looked like Jump City, but…darker. Suddenly, everyone was out on the streets, carrying stakes and fire and glaring furiously at her. She realized the book store guy and pizza girl were there, so she hadn't killed all those people, but she couldn't really relish in that because it looked like she wouldn't live much longer if she stayed here, so she tried to leave – only to find out her powers were gone. She couldn't teleport, fly, detach her soul, create a force-field, control shadows or move objects anymore. She couldn't do anything.Raven desperately looked around for help and saw the Titans. Her heart instantly filled with relief when they approached her with kind smiles and the angry mob hesitated. Once they were close enough, however, Kory grabbed one of her arms and Dick grabbed the other. She frowned and struggled against them, but they just tightened their grip. She looked up to see their expressions had changed entirely. They seemed hostile now.Garfield folded his arms and smiled wickedly at her. "Sorry, love. You gotta
go."They pulled her backwards and next thing she knew, there was a pile of wood under her feet.
Wait, what!?
Her breath caught in her throat when she felt her back hit a much bigger piece of wood. "No, wait! What are you doing!?"Dick and Kory tied her wrists securely behind the large wooden pole, smiled evilly at her and walked back to the others. And then Garfield approached her with a torch. Raven squirmed and her eyes widened.The shapeshifter laughed. "I love seeing you scared, you know?""Gar, what are you doing!?" She felt tears in her eyes.He frowned, glanced at the torch and then back at her as if that was the dumbest question in the world. "Isn't it obvious?"Raven felt her heart break in a million pieces. "N-no, that…I thought you loved me."Garfield huffed. "Please, I was trying to make you stay good. As if anyone could ever really love
you.
You're a monster. You're not worthy of love."Now she felt like he stepped on the pieces of her broken heart, crushing them. The tears began rolling down her cheeks. "No, stop. I sensed you. You loved me."He laughed again. "You believe what you want to believe, I guess. Although fucking you
was
fun, I'll admit to that. But we all just tolerated you. Now that you're evil, you need to
burn."Raven cried openly and squirmed desperately. "This isn't funny! Stop it!"His eyes reflected the fire and he smiled wickedly again as he brought the torch down."Please,
Gar! Please STOP! DON'T!
Please…" She sobbed. And then she hated herself for it, because if anyone else was doing this to her, she would be tough and proud and smug while she burned. But it wasn't anyone. It was them. And it was
him.The more she cried and begged, the wider he grinned, until he finally dropped the torch and went to stand with the others. As soon as her flesh began to burn, she screamed. And the pain only got worse, making her scream louder and cry harder. And then she heard cheering. And the smashed pieces of her heart burned along with her flesh.Raven was transported against her will again. She was still sobbing when she realized she wasn't burning anymore. She was on her knees on the cold floor, hugging herself tightly. The empath opened her eyes and realized she was inside a church.
Shit.
She just stayed there and cried harder, because she couldn't really think of anything else to do."Welcome, dear." A smooth voice broke the silence.The empath turned around at once. Lucifer Morningstar was smiling at her.Fuck. Shit. It did happen. "I-I'm dead."He snapped his fingers and the church was gone. Hellfire surrounded them. He lifted his hand, holding up a collar attached to a huge chain, and gave her a chilling grin. "Now, let's have some
fun,
shall we?"Raven opened her eyes at the sound of her own deafening scream. She hastily looked around, panting and covered in sweat, and saw nothing but…snow. Snow was all she could see everywhere she looked. And then she realized she was freezing and rubbed her arms. The tears and the thin layer of sweat made her even colder and she felt so absurdly confused it took her a few seconds to think of using her powers. She tried teleporting, but she simply didn't have the energy. She conjured fire instead. It worked, but it went out fast.
At least my powers are back."Oh, good. You're awake."She turned around at the familiar voice. Klarion ran over to her and wrapped a blanket around her, teleporting them back to Siren Mansion. Raven shivered violently while he did his best to warm her by conjuring fire and hugging her over the blanket."Jeez,
Klarion." Selina frowned. "Where did you take her? What are you trying to do,
freeze
her to death?""She doesn't want to kill anyone. I took her to the most desert place I could think of." The warlock explained himself. "I'm so sorry if that's not what you wanted, Raven."The empath frowned. "I…what happened?""I'm guessing you had a nightmare." Poison Ivy said, pointing at the ceiling.Raven looked up to see it was partially gone."This huge dark mass started attacking everything and exploding stuff. It wouldn't let us near you so we asked Klarion to wake you up, but nothing he did worked so he just teleported you somewhere else." Catwoman elaborated.The sorcerer felt concern emanating from all of them. Even Ivy. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths.
It was a nightmare. I didn't kill anyone, no one burned me at the stake and I didn't go to Hell. It was all a bad dream.
She used her magic to warm up faster and then opened her eyes and cleared her throat. "I'll fix the damage.""Are you okay?" Harley Quinn asked, kneeling down to look at her with wide eyes.Raven smiled slightly. "I'm okay, Quinnie. I think your ex's mind just took a toll on me."Harley seemed genuinely sad for once. "Oh, shit…I'm sorry.""Why? You didn't do this to me."
I did this to me. The empath stood up slowly and turned to Klarion. "Thank you. You did right; I don't want to kill anyone."The warlock was so relieved she almost smiled at him."You're not gonna go insane, are you?" Pamela raised an eyebrow at her. "Because we already have Harley for that."The former Titan scoffed. "For Azar's sake, I just had a nightmare, okay? Give me a break." She went over to the bar and poured herself a drink. "How about a party tonight? That will show everyone we're fine."Harley Quinn was already clapping and jumping up and down. Ivy couldn't help but roll her eyes fondly. Raven smirked."If you're sure you're fine…" Catwoman said worriedly."I said I am." Raven stated, taking a whole bottle of wine and heading upstairs to her room. "I just need to rest. See you tonight."Time for Lucifer's crystal. She didn't tell any of them this existed for obvious reasons. Even if only her voice could activate it, all someone needed to do was enter her room when she was powerless and stop her from speaking. She was closer to the Sirens now, but she didn't trust them. To be fair, she couldn't really trust
anyone
right at the moment. Still, she would need this to get some safe rest, so she opened her closet and pulled a small box out.Raven opened it and took the crystal in her hands, deactivating her powers. Then she glanced at the other contents of the box – a sketch book, a necklace and a picture. The empath inhaled and took the picture in her hands. It was their carnival ride picture. Her chest burned and her eyes filled with tears. He was clinging to her and she remembered exactly what it felt like. She remembered his warmth and his sweetness. It felt so distant now, but she remembered every detail. Then she remembered her nightmare and shivered.
This was real. The nightmare wasn't real, this picture is. It's okay, Raven. You're okay.
She took a giant sip of the bottle before pulling Michelangelo out of the closet and lying down, clutching it to her chest.The former Titan felt
much
better when she went downstairs again. She fixed the damage to their new home and not too long after that, they were partying. Poison Ivy pulled her to the dancefloor and the sorcerer glared at her. "I'm still mad at you."Pamela rolled her eyes. "Oh, c'mon. I wasn't going to
kill
him."Raven narrowed her eyes. They hadn't talked about it, but she definitely hadn't forgotten Ivy tried to make Garfield kiss her.The red-haired villain shrugged. "If you protect him too much, people will think you're weak."The empath folded her arms and spoke firmly. "I'm not protecting him. I'm
claiming
him. If we catch him, he's
mine. Got it?"Poison Ivy seemed to understand that a lot better. "Yeah, obviously. I guess I stepped on your toes a bit. My bad.""Just don't
ever
do it again." Raven said pointedly.Pamela playfully put her hands up in the air. "Promise."The sorcerer knew a promise from her didn't mean much, but it was better than nothing. She'd keep an eye on her. So Raven gave her new teammate a forgiving smile and turned around to glance at the bar, because she was picking up on longing from someone there.
Harley. She walked to the bar stools and sat beside her. The blonde sighed heavily, obviously staring at Poison Ivy dancing with a whole bunch of guys around her."Just tell her you like her." The empath shrugged.Harley gasped. "Who said I like her!?"Raven rolled her eyes. "Empath. Remember?"The blonde blushed and bit her lip. "Oh…don't tell her.""I won't, but you should. Who knows? Maybe she likes you too." The sorcerer said nonchalantly, having another drink.Harley Quinn was a bit crazy, but she certainly wasn't dumb – she understood that hint. So she excitedly got up and ran towards her friend. They danced together in a rather sensual way for a while until eventually they kissed in drunken euphoria. Raven smiled slightly and sensed someone else approach her."Hi, Klarion.""Hey…"She spun on her seat to face him. Her heart was still aching so badly from seeing that picture. Raven folded her arms and stared at him intently, smirking when he got nervous."…what?" Klarion asked, looking around for the source of her amusement."Nothing."He narrowed his eyes at her. "You know, I'm usually a lot cooler than when I'm around you.""I actually believe you."The warlock chuckled slightly and then looked down. "I'm sorry about the, uh…the way I handled my feelings for you.""You mean going to Lucifer Morningstar for a way to make me powerless so you could get my attention? Yeah. Not your greatest moment."His face distorted in regret. She knew he only regretted it because it didn't work, but she wasn't in love with him, she didn't need his feelings to be pure. She just needed a distraction."Yeah,
that…I really ruined my chances, huh?" The Witch Boy said awkwardly."Oh, I don't know. I've been having quite a few changes of heart lately."She sensed excitement building up in him. An eager smile found its way to his lips."Give me a chance, Raven. I mean, we just make
somuch sense."The empath smiled seductively, stood up and began strutting away. "Come dance with me and I'll think about it."Raven was glad all that going inside the Joker's mind seemed to have done was mess up her dreams, but she soon found out she would need that crystal for a while, because she had that same nightmare
every
night. And every night she woke up screaming, panting, sweating and crying and every morning she felt a little more unhinged. So every night she went to sleep completely powerless. No one knew about it and no one dared to go inside her room, but it still made her feel like shit, which made her curse her existence altogether, which made her remember she could be free by now. And then her heart broke all over again.
Consequences (Camila Cabello)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Trouble!" Nightwing shouted. Everyone gathered in the ops room in seconds. "It's Brother Blood and the HIVE. And it's a hostage situation, so we need to be careful about this."Richard raised an eyebrow at Damian and Rose at that last part. They both just rolled their eyes and huffed."Titans, go!"When they got there, they quickly realized Blood and the HIVE weren't alone. They saw Harley Quinn first, arguing with Blood and apparently driving him insane. He kept trying to control her mind, but it clearly wasn't working. And then Garfield just
knew
she was there. He sniffed her – she still smelled like lavender. Raven had her eyes on Harley and arms crossed over her chest, with her brows furrowed. Conner listened to what the blonde and Brother Blood were saying so he could report it for them.If the Changeling had tried hard enough, he probably could have heard their discussion himself – they weren't that far away. But they had Superboy for that, and his hearing was way better anyway. Besides, Garfield's mind was hazy and unfocused, because
she
was there, looking stoic and evil. And all his senses wanted to capture was her. In fact, he basically shut his brain down.And then before Superboy could report anything, Superman suddenly barged in from the sky, as fast as lightning, and pinned Raven to the floor, making her grunt in pain. Harley Quinn immediately tried to run, because the empath had been shielding her mind, but Blood grabbed her and looked into her eyes.Meanwhile, Krypto barked desperately at the sight of Superman tackling Raven. Superboy huffed.
he'll listen to me. "Clark, let her go. They're not-""Conner. Kory. Go to them!" Richard ordered, realizing Clark was much too preoccupied with subduing Raven at the moment to pay attention to Conner Kent's distant words. "You too, Krypto." He added when he noticed the dog really wanted to go too. He was really fond of her and he obviously missed his original owner – he didn't want anything bad to happen.Nightwing didn't send Garfield, but the shapeshifter's muscles were tensed up and ready.Superman had been speaking to the former Titan in a calm voice while she glared furiously at him. "Raven, you need to
stop.
Don't fight it. I'm taking you to-"He stopped talking at once when he looked into her scarlet, glowing eyes, because threatening images of Lois Lane getting terribly hurt flooded his mind.Raven's echoed, low voice gained that ethereal quality again. "No.
You
don't fight it."When Superboy, Krypto and Starfire got to them, they didn't need to protect her anymore, because Clark got off of her and straightened up making everyone gasp in fear, for there were four red demonic eyes on his face. The empath floated off the ground, looking angrier than ever. Krypto barked at her in a hostile manner for the first time ever, but he didn't attack.Raven glared at them. "Was this
your
idea? Sending
Superman
to take me down?"Kory frowned. "Rae, of
course
not! What…what did you do to him?""Holy shit
you possessed Superman!?" Catwoman shouted in awe, approaching the empath and the Titans.The sorcerer took a deep breath and touched her forehead. Possessing Superman took
a lot
of energy. "Yes."Starfire and Superboy instinctively took a step back."Blood got Harley…" Selina whispered to the sorcerer."Raven…you need to let him go." Conner said, staring at the Trigon-powered man of steel.The empath frowned. "Oh,
do I?
Why? Why should I?"Catwoman smugly folded her arms. "I think
you
need to stop telling her what to do."Superboy opened his mouth, but Starfire put a hand on his arm to stop him and stared at Raven with an extremely vulnerable, pleading expression.The truth was she was letting him go before heading back to Siren Mansion, not only because of Kory's pained face but because it was too tiring. Keeping a hold of Superman would be absolutely exhausting. But she didn't want to tell them that. "I don't have time for this."Raven urgently opened a portal and went to follow Catwoman through it."STOP!"Garfield had despaired the second he saw Superman possessed. He'd decided since this was all his fault, he needed to stop her no matter what. It seemed like the Sirens were involved in this whole hostage situation, which meant lives were in danger, and now they had the most powerful hero on the planet under their control. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't let her leave. His reflexes had taken over for him.Raven's already bruised heart froze and her stomach twirled disgustingly when she saw him aiming at her with a gun. She didn't know whether she was hurt, angry or annoyed, but she immediately closed her portal and glared at him, feeling particularly bitter.Superboy widened his eyes. "Changeling, wait! That's not-""Don't." The empath hissed warningly, never removing her gaze from her ex. "What are you doing with
that,
Gar? Are you planning to
kill
me?"The shapeshifter frowned and looked down at his hands then back up at her in shock. He hadn't thought it through at all, he just instinctively took down some of their minions and pulled the gun from one of them. But now he realized this desperate attempt to stop her was stupid. He couldn't shoot her if the world depended on it. Besides, now it wouldn't work even if he could. She would just stop the bullet. Plus, he
despised
guns. None of it made sense. He just needed her to stop moving; to stop making bad decisions, so that he could save her and everyone else and stop feeling like worthless shit."Are you going to
shoot
me, love?" Raven sounded equally vicious and wounded as she slowly walked towards him. She felt a sudden urge to be mean.Of course not.
The Changeling immediately tried to lower his arms so he could talk to her, but then his eyes widened enormously, because he couldn't. Some magical energy was keeping them in place.
Her
magical energy."No, you don't get to back down." The sorcerer stayed within his aim the whole time as she moved closer. "You point a gun at me, means you're willing to shoot."The shapeshifter panted. "Stop it! No, I…I don't want to. Stop, please."Raven allowed her chest to touch the tip of the barrel, wrapping a hand around it to direct the aim towards her heart. Her eyes were daring him. "Why not? Go on.
Finish
me."Garfield shook his head and fought back tears, being only a slight motion away from killing her. It was absolutely terrifying. It was even worse when he realized her eyes were teary too while she waited there in this vulnerable position at gunpoint. He whispered to her. "Raven, stop. I didn't mean it. Let me move.""Why did you point a gun at me?""I was trying to stop you." He took a shaky, desperate breath. "You…you're with Blood. And…you possessed Superman. But
stop,
I don't
want
to shoot! Just stop doing this!"She frowned. "You think I came here to
hurt
people?"Everyone else was beyond tense at this point. Garfield was shaking slightly and Raven's heart was still at gunpoint. The other Titans had carefully approached them."Changeling, they were negotiating with Blood. To get the hostages out." Conner said slowly and carefully.Oh shit.
Garfield panted heavier and avoided her eyes, because he just knew they would be full of disappointment.
Of course she's helping. It's Raven. It's my Rae. What the fuck am I doing?
He focused on relaxing his trigger finger so he didn't accidentally murder the love of his life as he felt the tears silently run down his cheeks."Raven,
please
let him go." Richard pleaded. "Just let him put that gun down.""Look at me. You were ready to shoot me, so look at me."Garfield forced himself to look into her eyes and the sight crushed his heavy heart. She looked even
more
disappointed than he'd imagined."Good to know how highly you think of me now." The empath whispered before releasing him.The Changeling quickly tossed the gun aside and turned back to her, but she had already vanished. Clark Kent was back in control of his body – and listening to a very displeased Superboy lecture him about how everything had been under control before he showed up. The shapeshifter didn't meet anyone's eyes."Are you telling me they came here to
rescue
people?" Clark raised an eyebrow, though not quite as confidently as he would like, because he still felt a bit sick – being possessed will do that to you."Well, probably not out of the goodness of their hearts, but yes." Superboy said pointedly. "I'm sure there's a perfectly villainous explanation, but since no one was getting hurt..."Suddenly, they heard commotion inside the building. It sounded violent."I guess the peaceful approach went out the window." Damian said, pulling his bo-staff. "Since you're here you might want to help, Superman. Maybe tackle the right villain this time?"Clark didn't think this misplaced hostility was fair at all, because they
had
been looking away from her crimes for a while now and that was the only reason he even interfered, but since his interference wasn't successful, he decided to avoid arguing about it. The HIVE, the Sirens and the Titans all engaged in battle with one another. It was a complete mess, but Kid Flash and Krypto got all the hostages out safely – though some of them were wounded.Raven managed to release Harley from Blood's control and Ivy eventually poisoned him. Much of the HIVE immediately switched to the Sirens' side, which had always been their goal – Raven's condition being that they got the hostages out first, but ironically, the Justice League ruined that. The fight got a lot harder for the Titans and it was good that Superman was there. The empath opened evasive portals to Siren Mansion wherever she saw allies."Raven!
Stop,
please!Talk
to me!" Garfield shouted at her while he fought Billy Numerous.She couldn't listen to his voice anymore. After implying she was there to hurt innocent people, he still dared to ask her to listen. Her lust for revenge had been pressing her for a while now and enough was enough. She summoned Klarion to her side and intently glared at Garfield before pulling the warlock into a passionate kiss. She could sense how much it hurt him, but she had her own pain to manage. The more he broke her heart, the easier it was to break his.Crash and burn.
Billy hit him directly, but he barely felt it when he hit the ground, because his heart was hurting so much more. The Changeling felt his eyes well up as he watched Klarion smirk against her lips and grab onto her hips. When Billy taunted him from multiple directions, he just turned into a demon and sensed the original, charging at him and nearly tearing him apart. His mind was racing and his heart filled with bitterness, because anger felt better than guilt. Leaving me. Kissing Klarion. She did it to spite me; she made sure I was watching. I made ONE mistake. One fucking mistake and she'll never stop hurting me. She knows I'm sorry. She just wants me to suffer. She never even loved me. If she loved me, she wouldn't do this."Let us go and I won't do it again." Raven said menacingly, glaring at Superman.Only a few HIVE members and the Sirens remained, and she felt completely exhausted at this point. But she definitely had one more possession in her, even if that
was
Clark Kent. Especially after what Garfield did – wrath is a powerful motivator."Think about it, Raven. You couldn't keep your hold on me without risking letting Trigon win. Is that what you want?" Superman tried to reason with her."I don't need to keep you." The empath hissed. "The world just needs to see you with four eyes
once
to know that I can do it. How do you think
that's
going to look?"Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn laughed loudly. Catwoman just smirked. Raven opened the portal."RAVEN!"She froze at the sound of his angry voice before she could flee.
What does he want NOW?"LOOK AT ME!"The sorcerer turned around to glare at the Changeling. "What?
Did you decide you want to shoot me after all?""STOP punishing me! You're doing ALL of this to punish me, it's NOT fair! These are all YOUR choices, I'm DONE feeling guilty!" Garfield yelled.Raven clenched her jaw. She did sense a lot of anger from him. "I didn't ask you to feel bad. I don't
care
how you feel." She turned around to leave again."CLEARLY you don't! You don't give a
fuck
about me! You're so freaking
vindictive!
I hurt you so you hurt me back, right!? You can't keep blaming everything on ME!"Look at how he's talking to you, you stupid bitch.
The empath struggled to keep her powers from outing how much he was hurting her right now. She didn't turn to him to answer. "I'm
not
blaming you; I've been blaming
me
from the
start!
Now leave me
alone.""And I want my stuff back!" The shapeshifter hissed childishly before she could escape.Raven turned around at that.
Please, no.
She had been using it. She glanced at his drawings every now and then and held onto her plush turtle Michelangelo every night.
Fuck. The empath folded her arms. "Excuse
me?""You heard me. All of it. Mikey, the books, the necklace, the giant bear, the drawings…I want it all back! You don't get to leave and keep any of it!"In the back of his mind, Garfield knew he was probably taking it too far, but he was too angry to be reasonable. If he was being completely honest, he was just trying to make her cry at this point. He had been crying nonstop and she looked radiant and sexy. It drove him insane.The sorcerer swallowed and hardened her face.
Fuck, will he ever stop breaking my heart?
"It's not
your
stuff, it's
mine.
You
gave
them to me.""What's going on right now?" Clark whispered uncomfortably to Superboy."Shhh, I'm listening." Conner whispered back, earning an eye roll from the man of steel.He wasn't alone. They were
all
awkwardly and silently – but also curiously – watching this rather intimate and slightly comical discussion."NO!" Garfield spat out. "I gave those to the girl I loved, when I thought she loved me back! YOU don't fucking love me, you
never
did! You don't
deserve
it!"That was too much for her. The floor cracked loudly, making everyone either lose balance and jump or shout. Her face remained stoic, but it felt like he'd grabbed her bruised heart in his hands and twisted it. Raven frowned, allowing only annoyance to show on her face. "You didn't think I
loved
you when you gave me Michelangelo OR the books! You didn't even think
you
loved
me. You loved
her!" She angrily pointed at an awkward-looking Terra. "You gave those to me to apologize for being an
awful
friend!"Superman couldn't remember ever being this confused in a fight. "Who's Michelangelo?""Shhhh." Cyborg was the one to shush him this time.Garfield opened his mouth to argue before realizing she was right and hesitating for a second. "Oh…okay, FINE!" He cleared his throat, reclaiming his anger. "Then, keep
those. But I want everything I gave my
girlfriend,
I want it all back! Unless you already set it on fire or something!""Of course I didn't
set it on fire!""This is
so juicy." Harley giggled to Ivy, who nodded and smirked in agreement."Well, then I'm reclaiming it! I mean, it's not like you even have a reason to keep any of it! Clearly I mean NOTHING to you, so WHY do you even want it!?"Fuck. Raven hardened her face even more, because she couldn't answer that without making a complete fool of herself in front of him and everyone else. "FINE, Garfield. You can have your stupid stuff back! I'll send it through a portal you selfish, petty, despicable CHILD!" She turned around before anyone could say anything else or tears could find their way to her eyes and give her away. She had no idea how she got through that with only a huge crack on the floor. "We're GOING!"And then they fled through her portals and a very heavy, silent and tense atmosphere remained. Garfield realized he'd thought that would make him feel a lot better than it did."Well, that was dramatic…and
a little silly." Barbara Gordon pointed out.Raven paced back and forth in her room. She took the sketch book in her hands and analyzed it.
I told him I'd send it back. I should send it back. I told EVERYONE I'd send it back. So…I have to. Right?
She opened it and glanced through his sketches of her.
He's right, I don't deserve this. I never did.
The empath closed her eyes and took a deep breath when her heart tightened painfully again. It hurt twenty-four seven lately, but sometimes it got nearly unbearable. She opened her eyes and frowned at a particularly sweet drawing of her glancing over her shoulder and smiling softly.
Yeah, but…he made me think I deserved it. I was fine before until he made me fall for him. And now I'll never have this again.
Her eyes welled up and she decisively closed the sketch book.
I'm not sending him shit.Back in Titan Tower, Garfield was now feeling rather embarrassed about the whole scene everyone had witnessed earlier. Cyborg was the first to ask him what the fuck that was and he said he would tell him when he found out. So he was trying to find out. Maybe all his repressed heartache just came out at once in the most inappropriate way."So…what did they say?" Terra raised an eyebrow when Barbara and Dick finished discussing the whole thing with the Justice League."Well…they're worried." Batgirl shrugged. "I mean, can you blame them? Now she can possess people, including
Superman?
It's a little terrifying.""Well, technically she always could, she just chose not to." Damian smirked. "Also, I'm pretty sure she needs consent. So he might have done a poor job at resisting it.""Very reassuring." Barbara rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips. "So tell me, what
can't
this chick do?""Apparently, get over Beast Boy." Superboy said easily.There was an awkward pause. Garfield's eyes widened slightly. And then the room burst into bittersweet laughter. Dick and Kory didn't laugh, though."Shut up, she's definitely over me." The Changeling muttered under his breath."Oh, really? Did she send your stuff back?" Conner raised an amused eyebrow."I-I…" Garfield stuttered and bit his lip. She hadn't sent his stuff back. He hadn't failed to notice that. "No…but that's probably because she did set everything on fire and just didn't want to admit it. I shouldn't have asked for that anyway…it was petty.""No shit." Ravager chuckled. "It was
the
pettiest thing I have ever seen. I admire your guts, though. Also, I don't think she burned your shit. Conner's right."Superboy smiled and turned to the shapeshifter again. "Yes I am, though I have no idea why she's so into you. Maybe it's self-punishment."Garfield cradled his head in his hands and grunted loudly. "Ugh, I didn't
mean
it! I just, I freaked out when she kissed Klarion! I mean,
Klarion!""Woah, she kissed Klarion!?" Cyborg squeaked in shock.The Changeling looked up pitifully. "Ah-YEAH! She looked
right
at me and smirked and then she sucked his face! She
was
trying to hurt me!""To be fair, maybe she did that because you pointed a gun at her." Terra smiled slightly.The shapeshifter only went silent for a brief moment, but it was enough for someone else to decide to change the subject."I don't think our focus should be on who's over who when there's a powerful half-demon witch on the loose." Batgirl said pointedly.Damian shrugged. "Babs, what's the big deal? Clark attacked her, she defended herself. I know she's an outlaw now, but she's still Raven. You don't know her. There's no reason to be worried or scared."Richard folded his arms. "Exactly. Besides, she's probably still overwhelmed from healing the Joker. And then Superman jumps on her without even giving us a heads-up and brainless over there makes everything worse." He gestured towards Garfield, and then he turned his head to glare at him. "By the way, you're off all missions involving the Sirens." He looked at Barbara again. "Considering everything, I think she kept it cool."Batgirl sighed. "Okay, Dick. I don't fully disagree, but it's just tha-""WHAT!?" Garfield squeaked. "What do you
mean
I'm off all missions involving the Sirens!?"Nightwing frowned. "Be glad it's not
all
missions.""You're
grounding
me!? For
how long!?" The idea of not even seeing her in battle as an enemy hurt. He still missed her profoundly, and it was all he had for now."Until you stop making dumb decisions whenever she's involved." Richard said plainly."What!? That's not fair! I-""Garfield." Nightwing raised his voice a notch. "Their whole plan was to take Blood down anyway. We should have waited and only engaged when they started recruiting. The hostages would have been safe.""That
wasn't me, I didn't fuck that up!
That
was freaking Superman!"I mean, THAT'S true. "Right, sorry. You just went in after him and made everything
worse.
I didn't tell you to go to them; I told Conner and Kory to go. If you'd just
listened
instead of bitterly staring at your ex it wouldn't have been this
shitty. Every time something like this happens, you make it harder for us to turn her back."He's right. He's absolutely right. Garfield looked down. "I made a mistake. I made
a few
mistakes today, okay? I'm
sorry.""All you do lately is make mistakes." Richard knew it was too harsh the second he said it, and he would have known anyway by the look on Starfire's face, but it was too late.Ouch. Garfield inhaled slowly and refused to let his eyes well up. "I said I'm sorry.""Well, great. You're still not going whenever she's involved.""Fine, whatever."
At least I won't have to watch her kiss that jerk again.Nightwing left and both Batgirl and Starfire followed him. Kory mostly followed him to discuss this hostility towards the Changeling –
and
because Barbara did. Not having Raven here to talk to about this was getting to her, because Koriand'r was definitely still worried about their relationship."Don't worry, he's just upset." Bumblebee said softly, trying to comfort Garfield.He looked up and saw sympathetic faces all around. And then he felt like he didn't deserve them. "…do you guys think I hurt her feelings?"They all frowned in confusion at the absurdity of that question."Wasn't that the point?" Rose asked incredulously."Yeah, aren't you two in a who-hurts-who-the-most battle or whatever?" Superboy smirked. "Cause you definitely scored."Wait, what!? ARE we!?
Garfield felt nauseated again, because he
hated
the sound of that. He
had
meant to hurt her in that moment, yes. But that was only because he convinced himself he couldn't. Now that the anger was gone and memories of them flooded back in, he just felt like shit. He
was
tired of being punished, that much was true. But he didn't want her to think he didn't love her anymore, because that was
very
untrue."Also, I'm telling you right now. If she's ever good again, I'm making a move." Conner stated. "Don't even start." He added when the shapeshifter gasped in outrage. "You're making it
way
too easy. You're probably the whole reason Klarion got with her."Garfield frowned and felt sick again. He wasn't sure if it was because of the implication he'd hurt her that bad, because he remembered her kissing the warlock or because of the image of Superboy charmingly listening to her complain about him and hitting on her in the process."Listen…BB? I know Dick was a jerk about it, but I think not seeing her for a while might help." Terra whispered in a friendly tone.A few more days passed by and the Sirens were quickly becoming a well-stablished empire. They controlled drug trafficking and most of the criminal scene, not to mention they had several powerful politicians in the palm of their hand. They'd also expanded their domain considerably. Those who dared challenge them ended up hurt or enslaved – Raven searched their hearts and decided whether or not they were deserving of free will.Still, they didn't harm innocent people. They
did
harm heroes when they got in their way, but they hadn't killed any of them yet. Raven and the Titans usually avoided direct confrontation since they knew their hearts wouldn't be in it. And the empath tried filling the hole in her chest with power and fortune.Garfield had been playing video games with Cyborg all afternoon. Not seeing her did help a bit. He still missed her painfully, but he kept busy during the day so he didn't have time to think of her – or imagine who she was with. "Hey, Cy?" He chuckled slightly. "Guess why gamers need to play more after a breakup."Cyborg frowned. "Why?""They need to
console
themselves!" It was just a sad, desperate, lousy attempt to make fun of his own misery. He missed laughing so much."Dude, that's just distasteful." Victor chuckled lightly, shaking his head."Seriously? You're joking about this?"The shapeshifter stiffened at the sudden sound of Dick's disapproving voice behind him, which made him lose to Cyborg. "Damn,
seriously,
man? First you ground me from all the cool missions, now you cost me this match!"Most of them chuckled, but Richard just frowned and walked to the kitchen. This had been bothering Garfield for a while now. Nightwing had been harder on him.
Way
harder. Not just during training and missions, but in general. He was just…colder. He often shut him down when he tried to make a joke and he barely engaged in conversation with him anymore."Dude, just spit it out!" The Changeling got up and followed after him. "Whatever you need to say to me, just say it!"Richard raised an eyebrow at him. "I don't know what you're talking about, Garfield.""Of
course
you do. You've been an
asshole
to me. And I know I've made a few mistakes but
you're
not the one I hurt, so I don't think it's fair for you to treat me like shit!""I'm
not
treating you like shit." Dick was starting to get annoyed. "Drop it, Garfield. Seriously, you're imagining things."
He's not imagining things.Everyone else was watching intently – and worriedly – at this point."You're rude to me, you push me harder than everyone else, you don't trust me with
anything,
you cut me off whenever I try to say anything at all and-""Garfield. Trust me. Drop it." Richard repeated in an even more serious tone."NO. I
can't
drop it, because whatever is making you
this
mad at me, it's not going away unless we
talk
about it! Why can't you just be honest with me!?" Garfield got in front of him when he tried to leave the ops room.Nightwing sighed. "Stop pushing. I am
trying
to spare you.""From what!? Honesty!? I'll take it over this cold treatment ANY day!"When Richard glared at him and tried to leave again, he kept turning into something big enough to block his passage. Finally, Nightwing felt frustrated enough to lose his cool and grunted. "FINE, Garfield. You want honesty?"The Changeling nodded. He wasn't sure if he'd done something to make Dick
personally
mad at him. No one else was being this much of a jerk. Not even Damian. "Yes! Yes, I do.""Okay. I think the wrong person left this tower." Richard said plainly, folding his arms in a severe manner. He could tell Garfield didn't expect that from the way he tensed up, but now Dick didn't want to stop. "I mean, I
knew
it. I just
knew
it. I
knew
you would break her heart. I
told
her, but she was too in love with you to listen. This is ALL your fault."The Changeling's already heavy heart sank. "Don't you think I
know
that!?" He felt tears in his eyes again. He had been avoiding thinking about Raven or talking about Raven because it just hurt too much. "I fucking
loved
her, Dick!"
I still fucking love her.
"I'm
sorry. I'm
so
sorry. I'm sorry ALL the time, I am! But what can I
do
about it
now?
Just
tell
me, tell me how to fix it and I'll do it! I'll do anything."Nightwing impatiently shook his head. "It doesn't work like that, Garfield. There are consequences to your actions.""Okay I get that but I had ONE moment of weakness and messed up, am I being punished
forever
now? Are you just not my friend anymore? Do you hate me now? Is that it?""It's not about that. I'm just mad at you, okay? I'm human too!" Nightwing exhaled, utterly frustrated.Garfield turned to Starfire. "Kor, help me?"The Tamaranean frowned at him. "I don't think so."The shapeshifter gasped. "You hate me too!?""Of course not. And I don't think it's ALL your fault. But…I miss her." Kory said softly."Well, so do I! But SHE left ME."Starfire's soft look turned into a stern glare and she stood up. "Garfield Logan. You are acting as if you forgot her birthday instead of condemning her soul!"He took a literal step back, instantly feeling sick.
I did what?
"I…what?"It was Kory's turn to well up. "Where does she go
now
if she dies? I know she's still trying to stay good but this is obviously a level down from where she was before. Forget the nice Purgatory if we were worried about
that. What if she goes t-" The alien girl choked up before she could finish."She won't go to Hell, Kor." Damian said softly. "That…that wouldn't be fair.""Since when is life fair?" Richard frowned. "Why would
death
be?"Now everyone felt sick, but Garfield was completely gone.
What the fuck did I do? I was supposed to protect her.
Tears rolled down his cheeks. "No, I…I didn't think…""Of course you didn't." Richard's voice was strained too. "You only thought about
you
and
your
feelings.""NO, I…no!" Garfield panted. "I…I'll find another way! I meant to find another way, I did! I'll find a way to save her!" He searched his brain. He did mean to do that when he stopped her from going. But then she left him and he'd been too caught up in his own pain and…but she knew.
She knows I mean to do that, right? I TOLD her that, right!?Now Damian's anger was rising too. He had been cool with the Changeling because he thought Raven wouldn't want everyone being mad at him, given that she left so he could stay. "Dude, I'm already looking. But she could die
today.
Then what?"The shapeshifter sniffled. "No, I…I…"
I'll make a deal with Lucifer himself if I have to. I'll pull her out of there.
"I'll help you. Please.""Yeah, you
should
help Damian, actually." Richard said pointedly, regaining his cool. "But that
still
won't fix everything."Garfield had forgotten the severity of things when Raven started hurting him.
Now
he remembered. He remembered her face when she realized he'd sabotaged her chance. He felt his knees weaken and his skin tingle.
No wonder they hate me. I made her leave and now…shit, the stuff I said to her. I told her I was done feeling guilty. I'll never be done feeling guilty. I need to talk to her.
He knew he was crying again because he could taste his tears. "But then...HOW do I fix it!?"Nightwing looked at him without judgment or severity for the first time since Raven left. All his eyes carried was sadness. "I…I think you don't. I think…you'll just have to live with this."That moment changed things entirely. Garfield realized Dick was right. And then he realized he
couldn't
live with it. So he snapped. He started dating…a lot. He surrounded himself with distractions. Social events, sex, paparazzi, scandals, recreational drugs and rich and famous people. Anything that could numb the pain for a while. He was hot now, and he was
exotic
– whatever
that
meant. Everyone wanted him around, it made them feel interesting. Not to mention most people thought he and Raven broke up
because
she went villainous, and he was getting a lot of sympathy points.A few weeks went by and the only reason he wasn't completely dysfunctional was because he knew he needed to keep it under control in order to continue being a Titan – and he definitely wanted that. They were worried, though. He could tell. Even Richard. Starfire and Cyborg were always asking him if he was okay. He lied and told them he would be."Hey, BB." Dick said softly when he found himself alone with the shapeshifter.Garfield looked up in shock. Nightwing hadn't called him that in a while. "Yeah?""We need to talk about, uh…your coping mechanisms."The Changeling grunted. "I'm sorry my training has been sloppy. I'll get better.""No, that…you've been partying a lot.""It's not because I'm happy, if that's what you think.""That's not what I think. I think you finally realized she's not coming back and now you're trying to numb the pain."Garfield chuckled bitterly. "You
are
smart.""This isn't what I want-"The trouble alarm went off, interrupting them. Nightwing glanced at it."It's her, isn't it?" The shapeshifter asked miserably, with his eyes closed."It's them, yes."The Changeling leaned back on the couch, allowing his chest to ache. "Make sure she doesn't die, please."Once the others left, his mind was flooded with thoughts of her.
Siren Raven. She's all magnificent and sexy. She flirts with everyone. She does that to hurt me, but I deserve it. But maybe…I could at least kill Klarion. I don't think she loves him. No, she would be mad either way. Fuck, I want to see her so bad. But then…she's probably over me. She'll tell me that. She'll crush me. Last time I saw her I…but wait, that's good. If she's over me, I can't hurt her anymore. But…if she still cares…I could beg for forgiveness. She could be less angry now. She would sense I'm sincere. I could show her how sorry I am. Oh, wait! I could tell her I'm trying to find another way to save her soul! She needs to know that! I owe her that much, right?
Garfield stood up decisively – and still slightly drunk.Raven had been engaged. Even with all her allies, when the Titans got there in time, it was a bit of a struggle. The heroes avoided her at all costs, not only because they didn't want to fight her for personal reasons, but because when she did bend their will, they always lost. But that took concentration, and Wally was keeping her quite busy at the moment. Speedsters were tricky and he was quickly becoming the fastest of them. She kept having to summon powerful blasts of energy that sent anyone near her flying backwards, but he kept making her lose balance.And then the empath sensed someone she hadn't sensed in a long time.
He's here.
She hadn't seen Garfield in weeks – ever since he asked her for his stuff back. She was glad at first, but then she missed him terribly – even this bitter, hurtful version of him. Kid Flash tackled her to the floor."Shit!
Sorry, Rae, I thought you were gonna-ugh!" He fell when she phased through him.Raven floated into the air again. "Stop apologizing. We're fighting."And then Harley Quinn came out of nowhere, took advantage of his focus on Raven, hit him hard and laughed hysterically. The sorcerer frowned. Harley still puzzled her. She could be the sweetest, loveliest person one minute and a violent maniac the next. Her thing with Ivy had evolved too, but it was mostly sexual. Raven was probably more aware of their feelings for each other than they were, but she knew they cared. Still, when this blond girl got violent, it gave her chills. And right now she was about to break Wally's legs."Harley, I got this. Thanks. Go fight someone else." Raven said in a commanding voice.Garfield could sniff her, but he hadn't found her yet. He was clumsily stumbling around the battlefield and half-heartedly taking down an enemy or two when Billy Numerous quickly surrounded him and started hitting him from every direction. He definitely held a grudge against the Changeling from their last encounter."Hey, Gizmo! Look who's back!" Billy shouted.Gizmo aimed his very deadly weapon at Garfield and narrowed his eyes, grinning widely. "Ohh,
sweet."Shit, I'm gonna die. Maybe coming here wasn't a good idea.
The Changeling wasn't on his best day and Gizmo had already fired. And then the most amazing thing happened. He didn't die. His heavy heart felt slightly lighter for the first time in months, because she was floating in front of him, making the blast turn into hundreds of tiny butterflies.
She saved me. She cares.Raven glared at Gizmo and it was enough to make him give her a quick, apologetic look and run. She turned to the shapeshifter. "Are you trying to get yourself killed?"The empath did her best to ignore how much seeing him bruised hurt her. It looked like someone had beaten him up before she got there. It made her want to heal him
really
badly."You…you saved me." The Changeling whispered."Of course I did, you idiot." Raven frowned. "Did you forget how to fight or something?"The shapeshifter chuckled sheepishly. "I…I just wanted to see you. I'm sorry about the last time I saw you. The stuff I said…"She stared at him with an utterly incredulous look on her face. "Garfield, this isn't the best time. I'm sorry I didn't send you your stuff back, okay? I…I forgot.""It's
your
stuff." He said urgently.
She really kept them, Conner was right. His heart fluttered a little. "I'm sorry I asked for that."Oh thank Azar, he's being kind.
Raven knew she should go back to the fight, but she missed his kindness so much. She really wanted to relish in it. So, she folded her arms. "I thought I didn't
deserve
it."Garfield held back tears. "You deserved
better. I…I really didn't mean it. I was just angry.""Because of Klarion. By what right? We were over." She was starting to get annoyed again.
The nerve of this guy. Honestly.The Changeling bit his lip. "I know, but…Klarion!?
I mean, how can you like him? He imprisoned you to force you to be with him!""Yeah, well, so did
you.
At least
he
had the decency of not making me fall for him first."Garfield took a literal step back and his breath caught in his throat.
I…what? No, I…did I!?Raven sighed when she sensed how shocked he was – though she could probably tell by the size of his eyes staring at her. "Gar, I can't protect you too much, most villains still hate me and they're just looking for weaknesses. So, just…try not to get killed, okay?"His heart dared to soar for a moment.
She called me Gar. Maybe she still likes me. I could change her mind. And…wait, not get killed. Don't let her leave!"WAIT!" The shapeshifter yelled just when she was floating away.Raven lowered herself to the ground again, rolling her eyes. "What now?""Your soul!
I didn't…I mean, I don't…when I…you know." Garfield tripped over his words.The empath frowned and spoke stoically. "Yes, I know you weren't thinking of my soul when you kept me in this shitty realm. And I know you're not okay with it. You probably told yourself you could find another way to spare me from eternal damnation."His eyes widened again.
How did she get THAT!?
"I-I…yeah. I mean, no!""No?" Raven raised an eyebrow."No! I mean, yes!" The Changeling grunted.
I'm not doing this right."Garfield, I don't have time for this."He inhaled deeply. "What I mean is I'll still find another way! I'll save your soul, I
promise."Raven sighed, looking absolutely unfazed. "Stop making promises you can't keep. Enjoy your life. Let
me
worry about my soul."Why did that hurt so bad? I wish she'd just let me redeem.
He opened his mouth to keep arguing, but she was already gone."Changeling!" Bumblebee shouted from where she was struggling against several villains. "Are you supposed to be here?"The shapeshifter snapped out of it and looked around just in time to dodge a blast that would have caused serious damage.
I'm going to die here. "As a matter of fact, I am not."He turned into a falcon and flew out of there, thinking he really needed to get back in shape.
At least I talked to her. And I apologized for that day. And she saved my life, so she still cares what happens to me…that's good.Garfield continued using alcohol, sex, fame and all that to numb his pain. Starfire and Cyborg both tried talking to him about his bad habits, but he dismissed them and said he needed to
process things his own way. The truth was the nights were just too difficult. He just missed her too much and he was just too angry with himself for hurting and losing her and with her for leaving him. He needed distractions. But he did get back in shape in record time. Richard went back to being hard on him, which the shapeshifter decided was better than pity."Can I go? I swear I'm doing better." The Changeling asked Nightwing expectantly the next time the trouble alarm went off for the Sirens.Officially, he was still grounded. Bumblebee never told anyone she saw him that day.Richard furrowed his brows and turned to the others, who smiled encouragingly. They thought being more part of the action would drive him away from his less appropriate, riskier distractions. Nightwing nodded. "Okay, fine. But…take it easy in there."The shapeshifter grinned gratefully. "Totally! So, what are we doing?""Keeping them from stealing a magical artefact that could potentially summon unsettled spirits and make them do one's bidding." Dick stated intently.Cyborg frowned. "Oh, that would be
bad."When they got to the collector's place, it was already a mess. The Sirens' not-so-small-anymore army was causing havoc as usual, but Garfield wasn't interested in them. He quickly identified her scent, turned into a cheetah and ran as fast as he could. There were several locked doors before he got to her, but he would quickly change into something miniscule to get through them. And there she was – chanting in Latin at a very old and rather ugly book.Raven smirked and turned around. "I can sense you, you know?"The Changeling turned human and his heart raced a little when he saw the expression on her face. It was wicked and playful. It really fit this whole new look she had going on – and it made him crave her terribly. He mimicked her smirk. "Sorry, love. I can't let you leave with that."The empath smiled a small, mischievous, arrogant smile. "I told you not to call me that. And how are you planning to stop me?"The shapeshifter changed into Krypto and flew past her with super-speed, hovering in the air between her and the book."Cute, but pointless." Raven folded her arms.
Let's play with him a little.His heart fluttered at her using the word
cute
and he turned human again.
Jeez, get it together, Garfield. Focus. I mean…it WOULD be easier if she wasn't smiling at me like that."You know being alone with me is a bad idea, right? I can still stop you from shapeshifting. Or I could just bend your emotions, make you all…unresisting." The sorcerer nonchalantly examined her nails and smirked. She knew he was flustered. She missed making him blush. "In fact, I should probably just take you prisoner right now."The Changeling wasn't sure if he was scared or turned on.
Probably more turned on. He thought about appealing to her good will and their history and just asking her not to, and then he thought about flirting and telling her she never needed powers to do
that. Either way, he realized trying to stop her alone wasn't going to work, so he reached for his communicator – which became encased in dark energy and flew to her hand. And then it rang."Changeling, get back here." Dick's urgent voice sounded clear in the room. "Also, have you seen Raven!? We have a problem.""Nightwing, it's me." The empath frowned and spoke into the communicator as Garfield held his breath. "What's wrong?""Raven!
Is Garfi-""He's here. He's fine.""Okay, good. Listen, Batman just called. It's Braniac. He's back and he's
much
stronger. He took the Justice League by surprise and apparently he did a number on Superman. He's coming here next. They think he's coming for
all
of us."Raven and the Changeling stared at each other worriedly. And then she decisively spoke into his communicator again. "We'll be right there. Do
not
harm my allies."The shapeshifter was low-key freaking out. "Shit,
Braniac!?
And he took on
Superman!?""Get out of my way; we're going to need that." The sorcerer said pointedly, walking towards the book she had been trying to steal.The Changeling suspiciously narrowed his eyes, but decided to step aside and trust her. He didn't want another
why did you point a gun at me
situation. That look on her face was
still
giving him painfully vivid nightmares. Raven finished her incantation and the artefact flew to her hands – to its new owner. Her eyes sparkled as she ran her fingertips over the cover for a second, and then she teleported them both outside, where heroes and villains were still keeping each other busy.Nightwing approached them. "Raven, I think we might have to w-""Work together on this one." The empath said plainly. "Yes, I think so too."Dick nodded surely. She spoke inside her allies' heads while he spoke in the communicators and they called a ceasefire. Most people didn't really want to stop, so Raven stepped in and bent a few emotional states to her will. She had been a little tired since the Joker – everything was harder and she still had that awful nightmare every night. But she didn't let it show.Richard cleared his throat and quickly explained the situation. "Now if you all don't mind, I think we should hide and strategize."Nobody loved hearing it. They grunted and whined and complained, but ultimately, the heroes knew they could use the help and the villains mostly wanted to stay alive. Fighting each other right now would be stupid."We have a bunker." Raven said calmly.Nightwing smiled slightly. "Perfect."
You Should See Me in a Crown (Billie Eilish)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Changeling watched her from afar while she strategized with Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, Starfire, Cyborg, Superboy, Poison Ivy and Catwoman. She wasn't saying much and it looked like she was mostly mediating, until at one point she excused herself and walked away to go sit alone on a trunk. The sorcerer looked around the bunker as her allies and the Titans – including the rest of the Titans East, who had joined Terra and Kid Flash – settled in. Krypto had gone to be by Clark's side for a while.Garfield frowned. She looked stunning and dangerous as usual, but for some subtle reason now that he watched her more carefully, he also thought she looked tired. He gathered the courage to get up and go sit next to her. Her words from back when she compared him to Klarion were still ringing in his head and wounding him."So do we have a plan yet?" The shapeshifter did his best to sound casual."Not even close. Dick, Babs and Damian can't stop arguing with Se…with Catwoman and Ivy. It will go on for a while." Raven frowned, rubbing her temples.She's definitely tired. "I'm sure they'll work it out. And then they'll think of something.""I hope so. Braniac has no emotions to manipulate, there's no point trying to possess him...maybe
I could absorb him, but then he would try to corrupt me, it's too risky. My eyes are scarlet enough as it is. I can't access white magic. I don't know what to do other than summon the dead. They'll help, but…I don't think it's enough.""Raven, are you…okay?" He whispered.She turned her head to stare at him incredulously. "Of course I'm not
okay,
Garfield."The Changeling bit his lip. "Right, stupid question. I just meant…I thought maybe you looked a little tired."The empath sighed.
I'm exhausted. "I'm fine. It's just…I haven't slept well since the Joker.""Oh?""It makes everything harder. But I'll manage.""Right…" Garfield nodded slowly. "So…where's Klarion?" He
tried
not to sound repulsed when he said his name, but he failed miserably.Raven fought back a smile. "Trying to get information to send our way. He doesn't think he's on Braniac's radar for now.""Oh, so…you two are, like….a thing?"She sensed he was nervous and dreading her response, but she had her mind set on keeping things civil between them while their teams worked together. "We're
something.""…oh."
What does that mean?!
"So…you're like, dating."Raven looked at him and frowned. "We're not…I mean, we're not fifth-graders. We just…I don't know, we cast spells and make out sometimes."The Changeling chuckled slightly to cover up his heartache. He knew she could sense it, but it felt less embarrassing to try to disguise it anyway.
That's probably exactly what she's always wanted. Someone who is more like her and doesn't constantly demand reassurance. She probably thinks I was a huge waste of energy.
"Do you, uh…love him?" Garfield braced himself for her answer as he realized Salem was tenderly rubbing against his legs and swiftly picked him up. "Hey, little guy! I missed you.""Of course I don't
love
him, idiot. I told you, I don't work like that." She turned to shoot him a quizzical stare just as he took the kitten in his arms. Then she couldn't help but smile discreetly. She knew Salem missed him too.His heart was so soothed by her answer it almost felt whole again. And then he realized she was watching him play with her cat. "Sorry, is this okay?"Raven did her best to ignore how extremely relieved he felt about her not being in love with someone else and shrugged. "Salem can play with whoever he wants, I don't own him."That stung a bit, because it felt like an allusion to his possessive ways. He shot her a regretful look, but decided not to address it. "I'm sorry I judged before. Obviously you should kiss whoever you want…I just, I didn't like seeing it."
That's an understatement. It tore me apart.I get that. I remember what it feels like. "Yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't need to do that. Although…" Raven raised an eyebrow. "You
did
point a gun at me.""No, don't apologize. Don't ever apologize to me again. About anything." The shapeshifter said seriously. "And you have no idea how much I regret that."The sorcerer could feel her heart warming up to him, so she decided to change the subject. "Anyway,
you've
been dating a lot." She smirked. "Or is that a different green superhero I see partying with shallow celebrities all over the internet?"Garfield grimaced. She sounded playful, but he felt absolutely
busted. "You've seen that?"
Of course she's seen it. You've been in every social event and scandal in town for weeks.The empath rolled her eyes. "Hard to miss." And then she looked away from him and rolled her shoulders back. "Our breakup did wonders for your love life, huh?"He bit his lip. He knew this was coming. She seemed amused, but he figured he was probably reading her wrong. The thing was, to everyone else it seemed like
he
was the victim, because she'd gone rogue and dumped him for a life of crime. He hadn't corrected them, but only because talking about the truth hurt so much. "I'll tell everyone. I'll tell them what I did.""You'll do no such thing." Raven said pointedly. "I don't want anyone's pity. Just enjoy the sympathy points, it's fine." When he stayed silent for a few seconds, she decided to ask the question she'd been dreading.
It's better to know.
"Anyone you like?"The Changeling watched her up-close. Her voice was calm and easy, her posture was perfect, but relaxed, and her face was unbothered.
She's so…cool. I wish I was that cool. But I…wait, she asked me something. Is there anyone I like? Well, there's her.
He shrugged sadly. "They're just distractions. I've…"
Wait, don't say it!
"I've been using
a lot
of distractions lately."Raven just nodded slowly, doing a wonderful job at hiding her feelings.
What does that mean? Should I ask?
"Such as…?""Ah…" Garfield sheepishly scratched the back of his head.
DON'T tell her you've done drugs.
"Not important. Listen…I know you hate me, but…can we maybe stop hurting each other?"The empath was surprised. She could sense he was being sincere and feeling considerably nervous and unsure about this suggestion. He didn't need to. She was so sick and tired of the heartache. "Sure. I'm okay with that."The Changeling smiled at her and Raven's chest ached when she detected hope and loyalty emanating from him against all odds.She cleared her throat and stood up. "Well, we should go help them strategize. I'm sure they've stopped arguing by now."Garfield followed her and sure enough, the others had managed to reach a reasonable consensus and form a unified attack plan that played to their strengths. Raven was grateful it didn't demand
too much
of her for once, though she knew it was because they were all scared her fragile villainous state would shatter to release something much worse if they pushed her too far. She knew they were right. She was scared of it too. The Changeling didn't say much because he was a little worried about Nightwing shutting him down. In any case, it was a good plan already. Richard and Ivy did a rather confrontational presentation of it before telling everyone to rest. It was late and they would need the energy. Besides, Superboy and Starfire would be stronger in daylight. So, Raven found a quiet corner to sit."Hey, you." Koriand'r said to her best friend and former teammate.The sorcerer looked up with a soft expression on her face. "Kory. Hi." She waited until the Tamaranean sat down next to her. "You don't need to worry. You got this."Starfire sighed heavily and allowed distress to distort her face and voice. "Do I!?
They'll need me to use Blackfire's powers for this. I haven't done that yet.""Of course you do. You're the strongest person I know. Braniac won't know what hit him." The empath elbowed her lightly.Kory smiled and whispered. "I miss you so much."Raven frowned. "I miss you too. Were any of the Sirens rude to you?"Starfire chuckled. "Ivy, but then Damian told her you'd be pissed and she acted like she didn't care, but…she didn't do it again."The sorcerer smirked. "Good. How's the tower?"The Tamaranean bit her lip. "Sadder…""Sorry.""You're doing the best you can.""I
really
am, you know?" Raven said truthfully, looking Kory in the eyes.Starfire sadly returned her stare and nodded. "I know."As everyone fell asleep, Garfield kept watching her – she was leaning her back on the wall and pulling her knees to her chest. The Changeling got up and went to sit by her side again."Aren't you going to rest?" He asked softly.She sighed.
I'd love to. "I can't sleep. Not without my crystal. Not since the Joker."Garfield frowned. "Why not?"She looked at him and narrowed her eyes, deciding how much she should tell him, and then her expression softened slightly. "His mind did a number on me. I've been having the same stupid nightmare every night since I healed it.""Oh. Is it…bad?" The Changeling quickly looked away. "Sorry, stupid question."The empath just inhaled and nodded. "It's…the worst.""What is it?" He whispered, genuinely curious.Raven rolled her eyes. "I'm not telling
you."The shapeshifter gasped quietly. "Why not?"She hugged her legs a little tighter and whispered. "It's kind of humiliating."Garfield's heart tightened. "Oh. Am I, uh…am I in it?""No." Raven lied.A wave of relief washed over him. "You know, I…I miss you."I miss you too. Terribly. The sorcerer took an intake of breath. "I know."The Changeling watched her intently and unapologetically while she gazed at the sleeping heroes and villains scattered around the bunker. He thought he wouldn't get a better chance to talk to her about them. So he gathered the courage to ask the question that had been disturbing
his
sleep for a while now. "So…will you really
never
forgive me?"Raven felt her bruised heart ache and looked at him. He looked and felt absolutely miserable. She looked away again and frowned. "I'd like to…but I don't even think you fully understand what you did to me."She wants to forgive me.
"I do, Rae…I hurt you. To be fair, you hurt me too…I mean, you were just
so excited
to go. I faltered and despaired and I didn't respect your decision. And that was shitty, I know. And I'm so sorry, I really am. I never meant to make you miserable or make you…I…" At this point, he couldn't help weeping quietly. "I mean, all I've ever wanted was to make you happy. I had a moment of weakness and fucked up. But I…I did it out of love. Don't you think maybe you could
eventually
for-""Garfield." Raven whispered sternly.The shapeshifter stopped rambling and noticed there were tears in her eyes being rigorously kept from falling. It made his sore heart break a little more. "Yeah?"Raven shook her head and smiled slightly – in the saddest possible way. "That wasn't…see? You have no idea." When he stayed silent, she felt the urge to continue being honest with him. She could sense his affection and it made it difficult to stay cold and distant. "You don't know what it's like for me, having to stay here. And now I have to stay with this…pain." She grabbed her chest. "I trusted you
so much
and you…you
cursed me,
Gar. It makes me feel so stupid.""You're not stupid." Was all he managed to whisper. If seeing her well up had broken his heart a little, listening to all of
that
crushed it entirely. He had to fight the urge to hold her, because she looked so damn vulnerable – even with that goth-looking crown on her head."I am." Raven stated bitterly. "I just…I just recklessly gave you
everything."The Changeling couldn't hold it in anymore. The more open she was and the more hurt she looked, the more desperate to fix everything he felt. He moved closer to her and sat on his heels, taking her hands in his. "I
love
you, Raven. Please look at me." He waited until her watery eyes met his. "What do I need to do to make you love me again? Tell me, I'll do it."Shit. Why does he keep doing this to me?
The empath held her breath and struggled not to break at his sweetness. Everything they said was a whisper, but when she spoke again, her voice was even quieter – it was the only way to keep it from cracking. "It's not
about
that, I never stopped loving you." When she saw his eyes widen and sensed his hope peak, she quickly added to that. "But I can't forgive you. And I can't trust you.""Yes, you can. I
swear
I won't let you down again, Rae. Please..." Garfield said miserably, feeling his heavy heart sink. "I can't have ruined everything…"She frowned. "You
destroyed
me. I mean, I let you…the things I…I was
completely unguarded
with you. And then you…do you have any idea how that makes me feel?"The Changeling's chest was so painful his thoughts got blurry. "Please don't say that."Raven smiled sadly and leaned her head against the wall, avoiding his eyes. "Whether I say it out loud or not, it's true. I can't ever be that unguarded again. Luthor was right."Garfield frowned. "Luthor? What do you mean?""It's just amazing how easily love subdues pride." She said through a sad, broken chuckle.And then she was hit by a horrifying wave of guilt, shock, hopelessness, sorrow and heartache. It added to her own and it made her flinch and squeeze her eyes shut."Am I hurting you with my feelings?" He asked quietly.Raven inhaled sharply, keeping her eyes closed. "A little…""I'm sorry, I'll leave." The Changeling fought back the urge to pull her into his arms and got up instead, heading to an entirely different section of the bunker for a while.The empath stayed there and took a few deep breaths to calm down until he came back after several minutes, with his eyes swollen and red. He was still hurting, but it was smoother."I wasn't trying to hurt you. I just…you asked." Raven said softly when he sat next to her again.Garfield nodded. "I know. But you
should
hurt me. I
should
feel like shit."The sorcerer frowned. "Guilt and self-loathing don't help me, you know…?"He bit his lip. "But I…what else can I do?""I don't know." She pondered for a moment. "I mean, it won't make a difference for us, but…I guess you should try to figure out
why
you did what you did."I know why. Because I couldn't lose you. Except I lost you anyway. Garfield looked at her to try and convince her to give him another chance one more time, but then he noticed just how tired she looked. "I…I can do more than that. Go to sleep. I'll stay up and I'll wake you as soon as your bad dream starts, I promise."Raven narrowed her eyes. "How would you know when-""I'll know." The shapeshifter shrugged. "I...I remember. Your eyelids flutter and you frown a little. Don't worry, I'll know."The empath was a little surprised. She ignored the warm and fuzzy feeling she got from that and considered his offer. It was a nice offer. She really was tired. "What about you?""Oh I've been sleeping like a baby lately." He said. "I'll be alright."Raven raised an eyebrow, because she knew that was a shameless lie.Garfield sighed. "Please let me do this. I need to do something right.""It wouldn't change anything…""I know that, I do. Let me help you get some rest, please."
Please just let me take care of you.Raven bit her lip. "…okay." She removed her headpiece and lay on her side. "Thanks."The Changeling watched her sleep intently. He couldn't see her scarlet eyes or the hurt in her face. He couldn't hear resentment in her voice. It was almost as if nothing had changed. She looked peaceful. Garfield realized he was smiling and reached out to gently stroke her hair. Raven sighed contently and his heart filled with tenderness. And then he pretended, just for a few hours, that they were home and together and he'd never broken her heart.At some point during the night, she frowned in her sleep and Garfield noticed a few things levitating a bit around her. He immediately shook her gently to wake her up before her bad dream caused more damage than Braniac would, but then something absolutely agonizing happened. He lost consciousness and had her recurring nightmare. He wasn't in her place or even in his place and he couldn't change anything – he just watched it all like a silent audience. Garfield woke up sobbing and quickly realized she was still peacefully asleep and no longer frowning or fidgeting. He, on the other hand, felt absolutely sick. The Changeling walked as far away from her as he could because he knew his pain would wake her up soon.He stumbled towards a trashcan and puked in it as silently as he could. That dream was so
disgustingly
realistic. He cried quietly and tried to chase the images away. The whole thing was grotesque and Raven looked so absolutely scared through it all. He couldn't get his words out of his mind.
I love seeing you scared, you know?
He thought he would throw up again, it got difficult to breathe and he grabbed onto his chest.
As if anyone could ever really love YOU. You're a monster. You're not worthy of love. His vision got a little blurry and he realized he was having a panic attack, so he leaned against the wall and slid to the floor, trying to breathe as slowly as he could and counting to ten in his head while he reminded himself the feeling wouldn't last forever.The Changeling felt something soft rub on his leg and after blinking a few times, he realized it was Raven's kitten, so he reached out and pulled him to his chest. That definitely helped. His breathing slowed down and his thoughts gradually became clearer again.
Is she dreaming THAT every night!? What the fuck IS that!?
Garfield hated not being there. He hated that she was hurting alone and he couldn't comfort her because he'd made her leave. He wanted to go back and hold her in her sleep, but he'd lost all rights to that, so he thought about drowning in self-hatred instead. But she still needed him to watch her sleep. That dream could come again.
Guilt and self-loathing won't help her.Raven woke up early in the morning and frowned in confusion.
I slept all night?! He didn't wake me up. Did he fall asleep? Shit. Did I kill everyone!?
She hastily looked around, but things seemed normal and most people were still asleep."Morning." Garfield said quietly.The sorcerer turned to him at once. "I...what happened?""When I went to wake you up, I…well, as soon as I touched you…I think you kind of transferred your nightmare to me." When he saw her eyes widen, he quickly spoke again. "I swear I didn't mean to pry, it just…it just happened."Raven felt absolutely mortified. "You…you saw that?"The Changeling nodded, sensing tears coming back again. "I…I'm so sorry."She rolled her eyes. "Garfield, my nightmare isn't your fault. If anything, it's mine. I pushed it with the Joker."The shapeshifter frowned. "Why, though? Why would you do that?""I wanted to do something big to make them trust me. Anyway, it's done now. No harm done.""No harm done!?" He squeaked as quietly as he could. "What do you call
that dream!?
Did he do that to you on purpose?"Raven sighed. "No. My own mind did…after healing his, I absorbed a lot of the chaos. I think it's a manifestation of my greatest fears or something.""…oh." Garfield stared at a random spot on the floor. "For, uh…for how much longer will you have it?""I don't know. I'm sorry I passed it to you last night, I didn't mean to."The Changeling's eyes widened slightly. "No, I…I'm glad I could do
something. I wish that…you know. And Rae…none
of that is going to happen."She had to fight back a smile. "Raven. And…I know. And there
is
something else you can do.""Anything.""Keep the content of that nightmare to yourself? It would kind of ruin my reputation."He chuckled quietly. "Well, we can't have
that,
right? I got you.""Thanks." Raven realized she was almost smiling again, so she cleared her throat and quickly regained control. "Well, let's go kick some android ass so we can go back to me committing crimes and you failing to stop me."Garfield chuckled a little louder. He wasn't sure what to do about them, but after talking to her again he was certain of
one
thing. He didn't want to give up on her. He
couldn't
give up on her. He wanted forgiveness and maybe even her trust back. And he would find a way to get there."Klarion is reaching out to me." The empath suddenly crossed her legs and closed her eyes.Ouch. Wait, does he hold her to sleep when she has nightmares!?
The shapeshifter quickly pushed that thought aside before she could detect the painful jealousy.
Probably not. I doubt she trusts him enough to be powerless with him.
"Anything useful?"Raven opened her eyes. "Definitely."It was relatively easy once they all worked together, though Braniac had a lot of powerful allies too. Raven summoned a whole army of angry spirits and shielded everyone's minds from the psychic villain – though her shields cracked every now and then because she really wasn't her best version at the moment. Garfield turned into every otherworldly beast he could think of – and at one point, when she was in danger, into the Werebeast.Robin and Ravager were fighting side by side now instead of against each other – they found out they liked that too. The Sirens – except for Raven – didn't really protect the heroes, but they did help them obliterate their common enemies. Starfire shot fierce green and purple energy blasts. Braniac was impossible to outsmart, so they would just have to overpower him. Ultimately, the Tamaranean took the android down with Superboy and the Changeling – as Krypto – backing her up. Raven and the Titans relished in being on the same side again, even if it was only temporary."RAVEN!"Ravager's scream startled the empath, because it happened as the heroes began celebrating and she was getting ready to flee with her new magic book. But the younger girl sounded desperate, so she reached out to sense her and teleported to her side.Raven's eyes widened as soon as she found the source of Rose's despair. "Oh, shit."Ravager struggled not to cry as she stared down at a severely wounded Robin. "I…he came out of nowhere…and then Damian just…he got in front of me…"Cyborg looked up at Raven after scanning his body and frowned to let her know it was bad.The sorcerer kneeled down next to the young Robin. "Damian, can you hear me?"He didn't open his eyes or stop grunting in pain, but he nodded to let her know he did. Most people had gathered around them at this point. Except for the other Sirens and their allies – they'd left as soon as the battle ended."You're going to be okay. I promise." Raven said confidently."His spine is fractured." Cyborg said quietly. "It's…bad.""Will he walk again?" Batgirl whispered. When the half-robot just looked up at her with hopelessness in his eyes, she turned her head and sobbed into Richard's shoulder."Yes, he will." Raven said surely."Maybe you should use the white-hair thing for this." Wally suggested.The empath faltered for a second. "I...I can't do that anymore."Nightwing glanced at the Changeling, who shrank a little."It doesn't matter." Raven said, placing her hands over his body. "I can do it."Her eyes glowed bright red and warm healing magic emerged from her hands. She nearly passed out several times and it was
extremely
difficult damage to repair. It was a good thing she'd gotten a good night's sleep, because healing him definitely drained her. It hurt too. Absorbing that kind of damage was
very
painful. But then the glow finally diminished and Damian wasn't in pain anymore. He immediately tried to move."Wait, idiot." Raven said, panting. "You…you still need to rest. But…you'll be fine."The young Robin smiled gratefully through watery eyes. "Thanks, Doomsday."The sorcerer smirked and continued trying to catch her breath."Do it
now,
get her!"She wasn't sure who said it, but Raven turned around and frowned, realizing they were hesitating to attack her, but very much considering it. Jinx had her hands up and glowing. One hit from her would definitely do it at this point.
These fucking people. "Seriously?"Starfire pushed Jinx's arms down and glared at everyone who was taking an offensive stance. "Let her go. She stayed to help Damian. Have we no honor?"Garfield wasn't sure what to do at first. His instinct was to defend her against anyone, but at the same time, no one there wanted to hurt her, and capturing her would mean pulling her away from her bad choices and maybe even changing her mind and turning her back. It would also mean having her around again, and he missed her so much. It would mean taking her home. But after everything, he knew taking her freedom away was something he simply couldn't do. So he waited and watched, ready to jump in if she needed him to.Raven was relieved to sense the Changeling had no intention to attack her in her current weakened state. She knew Dick's hesitation was mostly out of concern, and Kory was openly defending her. It helped her tame her wrath."Yeah, assholes." Damian grunted. "That way she'll never heal any of us again.""Besides, they'll rescue me. They need me." The former Titan said menacingly. "Do you want the Sirens, the HIVE
and
our little army to invade your tower?"Nightwing sighed. Capturing her like this did feel like a low blow. Besides, Raven had a point. And he still had no idea how to contain her when she got her strength back, and then she would be pissed. He gestured for everyone to back down and then addressed her, pointing at the ancient magic book. "Go. But I'll take that."The empath rolled her eyes and reluctantly tossed him the artefact, then quickly floated into the air and left. She didn't have the energy to teleport."You really didn't have to do that. I mean, it was brave, but it was also really stupid." Rose told Damian. "You remember I can
heal myself,
right?"Robin chuckled a little. "You're welcome, jerk."Ravager wasn't sure why it had hurt so bad to see him like that or why she was
this
relieved to see him healed. She'd figure that out later. So she just rolled her eyes and smiled a small, but genuine smile at him. "Thanks."Damian felt a delicious squeezing sensation in his chest and cursed internally.
What the fuck was that? All she did was smile. Chill."You were right about her." Batgirl whispered to Richard."Mm?" Dick turned to her. He had been distracted watching his brother blush."Raven." Barbara rolled her eyes. "You were right. We shouldn't give up on her."Nightwing smiled playfully. "Ah, I see. I think I might need to hear that part about me being right again…do you mind?"Batgirl lightly punched his arm and they laughed. Starfire frowned uncomfortably.Meanwhile in Siren Mansion, Raven strutted inside angrily."Oh good, you made it. We thought they'd catch you when you stayed." Catwoman said.The empath walked to the bar and poured herself a drink. "Close. But no.""You saved someone, didn't you?" Ivy folded her arms. "And
you lost the book.""Yes, I did." The former Titan sighed.
Here we go."Who did you save?""Robin." Raven rolled her eyes when they all gasped loudly in outrage."That
guy!? That's Batman's
son!
Do you have
any
idea how difficult it is to take him down? Braniac did us a favor and you go and put him back on his feet!?" Pamela glared at her. "You
are still one of them!""How could you do that!? We
hate
the bats!" Harley whined.Raven smirked. "Selina doesn't hate
all
the bats."Catwoman rolled her eyes, though she was secretly relieved Raven did what she did. "Don't drag me into your mess, please.""It was stupid. We would have to go rescue you." Ivy said sternly."Not out of kindness. You need me." Raven stated, having another drink.Selina frowned. "Hey, we got along
fine
before you.""But now you're spoiled." The empath shrugged smugly. She could sense their anger and annoyance rising considerably. "You don't want to go back to hiding in the shadows.""That's not the
point!" Harley shouted. "The point is you like them more than you like us!"The former Titan rolled her eyes. "Don't be
needy,
Quinnie."Pamela broke through the floor with deep roots, wrapping them tightly around Raven's legs.The sorcerer glanced at it and looked back up at her tiredly. "Seriously?"Poison Ivy glared at her again. "Raven, this is
unacceptable.
You can't just-""ENOUGH!" The empath's eyes glowed red and she used every bit of power she had left to phase through the roots and float menacingly to the redhead's side. "I don't like being told what to do. I didn't join you to get
more
of that. So let me make myself clear. I'm with you. I'm here. I'm on your side. You
will know
when I'm not. But I
will
do whatever the fuck I want. Trust me or leave. And stop annoying me."Ivy's anger had turned into amusement. She smiled approvingly. "Well, I like this version of you a lot better. But if you're gonna fuck the shapeshifter, at least bring him here for questioning, yes? We
are
a team."Harley grinned widely.Raven's eyes immediately stopped glowing. "I'm not going to fu-" She stopped herself midsentence when she saw the mischievous glint in their eyes, making it perfectly clear they wouldn't believe whatever she was about to say. "Ugh. Fine.""Sleeping with the enemy is a rush, you'll love it!" Catwoman shouted as the empath headed upstairs to her room.That night, there was celebration in Titan Tower.Nightwing held his phone to his ear. "Bruce? How's Clark?""Better. Diana too. Krypto is flying back to you. So, did you really team up with them?""I really did. I figured crushing mankind gets priority over stealing jewelry and selling drugs. And we did get the book in the end. I'll send it to Zatanna. So ultimately our alliance worked.""No doubt. I just thought maybe they'd double-cross you in the end.""Yeah, it was almost the other way around, actually…" Dick rubbed his temples."What do you mean?""Nothing. By the way, Raven saved Damian. He fractured his spine. Badly. Cyborg said he wouldn't walk again if she hadn't acted immediately. And it hurt her to do it, too.""…oh.""Yeah,
oh. So maybe tell your friends to back off and let us handle it?"Batman sighed after a few seconds of silence. "So he's okay?""Yes. He'll be annoying me at training again in no time.""Okay, good. That's good. And yes, I think I can do that.""Thanks."Terra rested her chin on her hands in a perky manner and narrowed her eyes at the Changeling. "You're not gonna play?" She asked, referring to the pinball championship currently going on in his bedroom.Garfield shook his head. He hadn't played with it since she left. "Are you and Wally leaving with the others?""Yes. I don't think the Raven situation is going to aggravate much, so..." Terra watched him for a while and thought he looked really sad – as in, even more than usual. "What is it? Is it Rae? I noticed you woke up next to each other."The shapeshifter frowned pitifully. "Sometimes I think about how much easier my life would have been if I'd just stayed in love with you."She bit her lip uncomfortably. "You don't mean that.""Sorry, I'm a little drunk. It's just...I fell
so hard. And it made me a terrible person. It made me break her heart when all I wanted to do was make her happy. Now I don't know
what
to do. It almost makes me wish I'd never fallen
that
hard."Terra rolled her eyes and smiled sadly. "Almost
being a key word here. And
we
were never right, you know that. You knew it back then too, but you were scared. You're still scared. That's the whole problem." She nudged him friendly. "Don't be a coward."Garfield chuckled slightly. "Again, I'm
really sorry
about dragging it out. In my defense, you made it really difficult for me to break up with you."She folded her arms, looking absolutely offended. "Excuse
me?""Okay, no, but seriously. Like, remember our one month anniversary? You recreated our first date and you set up a whole scavenger hunt for my present. I kept going back to that when I thought about ending things and I was like,
how!?"Her face instantly distorted into an awkward frown. "Oh,
shit."The Changeling's eyebrows shot up apologetically. "I made you uncomfortable. I'm sorry! I didn't mean to."The blonde shook her head. "No, BB, it's just…""What? What is it?""Well, I…I don't know why I never told you, but…you see, BB…that date…the whole thing…it was Raven's idea."Garfield's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what!?"Terra smiled sheepishly. "I asked her for help. I wanted to make it special but I wasn't sure how. I figured she knew you better than me, so…"His mouth hung open as he slowly absorbed this new information. "So…she...""I set it up but…it was all her idea. She already liked you, but I didn't know that. I wouldn't have asked if I knew." Terra bit her lip. "Sorry I never told you, I just…it never came up."The shapeshifter's heart ached again. That had been one of his main reasons to stay with the blonde back then.
It was her idea. She wanted me to be happy. She liked me, but she helped Terra because she wanted me to be happy. She was selfless. Why couldn't I be selfless for her?
"No, it's okay…thanks for telling me.""I've upset you." She frowned. "I'm sorry; I thought you'd like to know…"He scoffed. "Please, my heartache is
not
your fault. It's my own. You're right, I
am
a coward. I had everything and I got scared and lost it.""Well, dwelling on it won't help. Everyone screws up. I certainly did. I mean, look who you're talking to." Terra raised an eyebrow. "What's important is…what will you do about it?"Garfield sighed and smiled a little.
She's right. "I think I need to figure some stuff out. So I'm thinking some soul-searching would help. I took a shortcut with Raven when you left. She went in my head and…well, the point is it really helped. And Rae always said I needed to stop hating myself to love her properly, which I didn't get at all, but…now I think it makes sense."Terra smiled. "I think that's a great idea. A
brave
idea."He shot her a grateful smile.
It's what Raven said she needed. It's the right thing to do. Maybe when she sees I've changed she will finally forgive me.
And then I'll make her happy and find another way to save her soul and she'll never have to hurt alone again.Garfield turned his head to shout at Nightwing. "Hey, Dick! Are there any psychologists specialized in superheroes?"Richard frowned and stared at him quizzically."Sure thing, Changeling." Barbara Gordon answered. "Honestly, not enough of us look for it."Dick relaxed and chuckled slightly. "Well, I suppose that's true.""You suppose? Trauma is like, the
one
thing we all have in common." Batgirl laughed."Well, sign me up, Babs!" Garfield shouted, feeling a little lighter. "Send me their number!""Me too!" Terra yelled and raised a hand. She did need it as much as him. She didn't even have the guts to break up with Speedy.Ravager came closer and leaned in to whisper menacingly to the pair on the couch. "If you tell
anyone
about this, I'll
murder
you both, but I want that number too."She turned around to see Conner smirking from across the room and immediately walked towards him to let him know she'd find a way to murder him too while Garfield and Terra stared at each other in shock and fought back a chuckle.Beast Boy cleared his throat. "Anyway, I think that's all I can do for her for now."Kid Flash approached them behind the couch. "What are we talking about here?"Terra smiled up at him. "What do you think?"Wally chuckled. "Yeah, makes sense. I saw you two talking, Changeling. Is the bitterness finally making way for the flirting?"Garfield frowned. "There was no flirting…""Ah, just wait for it. You'll get there." Kid Flash grinned.Terra giggled and the shapeshifter shot the speedster a skeptical look."What? You will. I'm an expert, remember? My relationship
started
by flirting with the enemy. Don't worry, you'll like it. It's fun."The Changeling laughed a little. "If you say so."
God I hope he's right.Raven tiredly lay on her bed. She thought about Garfield. She thought about the way he'd watched her sleep so she could rest, the kindness in his eyes and the sorrow pouring out of him. It wasn't enough to heal her heart. If anything, it made her hurt a little more when she remembered that moment when her hopes disappeared before her eyes. That moment kept haunting her. She was sure she would never get over it.
But then again, I'm not fucking perfect. I manipulated his feelings. I messed with everyone's free will. He never even mentioned that.
Her mind went back to kissing Klarion in front of him.
That was cruel. Just because he hurt me, that doesn't mean I get to punish him freely.And then, ultimately, the truth was she preferred his kindness to his anger.
Okay. Just don't think about the Sixth Dimension tonight. It's okay, you don't need to be bitter ALL the time. You can think about him. She closed her eyes and imagined his face.
His sweet, cute face. I miss him so much. He still loves me. They still love me. And I love them. I'll be fine.
She drifted off to sleep, dreaming of purple skies, tender kisses and carefree laughter. But most importantly, she didn't dream about killing everyone she loves, being burned at the stake by them or being tortured in Hell. Her heart burned a little when she woke up and realized she no longer had what she dreamed about, but it was pain she could bear. It was infinitely better than waking up screaming in fear in the middle of the night.She sighed and stared at the ceiling.
Thank Azar THAT'S over.

If the World Was Ending (JP Saxe & Julia Michaels)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Are you still looking for constant immediate gratification to distract from your pain?"The Changeling chuckled sheepishly at his therapist. He was definitely still partying a lot. And having a lot of meaningless sex. And smoking weed nearly every day. "Uh…maybe? I mean…just a little bit."She raised an eyebrow at him.The shapeshifter folded his arms. "I thought you weren't supposed to give opinions and stuff.""I have no idea what you're talking about. Now, have we discussed your adoptive family?""Ah…" Garfield frowned. "That's a difficult subject.""How about your ex? You know, the one that's a criminal overlord now.""That's also difficult to discuss.""Your team, then. Is Nightwing still giving you a hard time?""Oh, yes. I actually don't really want to talk about him either."She laughed slightly. "What
do
you want to talk about?"He grinned. "I've been doing better at training. Way better.""Have you been able to connect with the source of your powers?""Yeah. I've been meditating before changing. And I keep seeing this…I don't know. I get this feeling that I
go
somewhere. Or connect with it. It's only for a second. I've felt it before…whenever I shapeshift, actually. I feel this…like, this
energy
that connects me with them. But…I never paid too much attention to it. I guess it kinda freaked me out.""Maybe you should follow it instead of backing off."Garfield bit his lip. "Maybe if she was around to make sure I'd be okay…""She? Do you mean Raven?""Ah…yeah.""Don't you think you could do this without her?""I thought we weren't talking about her...""Alright. Tell me something about your biological parents."Garfield exhaled, leaning back on the couch and feeling a little relieved.
That I can do. "Well, they were amazing. And really smart. They were scientists, actually. Hence the whole…" He gestured towards his own body. "I mean, it saved my life."She smiled. "So you'd say there was love in your childhood.""They definitely loved me." He nodded. "And I loved them, obviously. I
do
love them.""I'm sorry; you must miss them very much."He smiled sadly. "Yeah. Thanks.""So…I'd assume they took care of you, right? May I intrude a bit and ask why you struggle to pay for these sessions sometimes?""Oh, I never touched my inheritance money."She raised a curious eyebrow. "Really? Why not?"He bit his lip. "Well, I…it reminded me of them and it made me sad and…I don't know, it felt wrong. How can I spend their money when I couldn't save them, you know? I'd feel guilty.""Garfield…how old were you when your parents died?""I…" He felt his eyes well up a bit. "I don't want to talk about that."She smiled softly. "How do you expect me to help you if you shut down every time we hit a nerve, Mr. Logan?""Well, I…I don't know." The shapeshifter chuckled. "Rae used to do this magical thingy where she went inside my head and helped me sort things out.""Ah…I see. Well, that sounds…easy for you. Was that her job, though?""Ah…no, I guess not." Garfield admitted coyly. "I relied on her a lot, actually.""How come?""She just…she could make me feel better like no one else and if I needed to gain confidence or control, she always had a plan.""Interesting. Is that why you loved her?"He frowned. "What? No, of course not. I mean, that was
one
reason, sure, but…no. I loved all of her."
I still love all of her."Did she depend on you the same way?"Garfield chuckled again. "Definitely not. I mean, except for when she was hurt. Slade had tortured and brainwashed her for months…" His chest felt tight at the memory."I see…and did you think she loved you
more
then? When she depended on you, I mean.""Actually, I didn't think she loved me at all. I would take whatever I could get, but I thought she just kept me around because I made her feel a little better. I told her, too. I said I knew she was using me and that I was okay with it. But then when she ended it, I found out I wasn't that okay with it…but, anyway, she wasn't. Using me, I mean.""Right. That was just how you
felt
when she wanted you around all the time because she
needed
you.""Right.""But
you
need her, right? You want her around all the time because she makes you feel better.""I…wait." Garfield narrowed his eyes. "I see where you're going with this."She chuckled. "Okay, then. When
did
you realize she really loved you? If it wasn't when she was entirely dependent on you.""Well, I…I'm not sure.""You're not sure when you realized it or you're not sure she loved you?""I mean, it wouldn't be fair for me to say I'm not sure she loved me. She got really vulnerable with me. And that's hard for her. She trusted me. And she got out of her comfort zone to make me happy all the time. She hated corny stuff, but she did it for me. And then there's the way she looked at me sometimes. And the way she touched me. She had a hard time saying stuff, but she still reassured me all the time. I just…I found it hard to believe her.""Why?""See, the thing is…my ex is like,
legendary. And that's not even the best of her. She's like, perfect. I just didn't get
why
she loved me. I still don't, to be honest.""Did you ever ask?""She told me. She said I was brave, and sweet, and strong, and cute, and she said I was her light. I just…I was constantly afraid she would wake up and realize I'm not any of that. But then she went out of her way to make me happy and I thought…she
must
love me. You know?""And did
you?
Get out of your comfort zone to make her happy?""Well, yeah. I worshipped her."She smiled. "I believe you. But that's not what I asked."Garfield smiled sheepishly. "Right. Well, yeah, obviously. Dating Raven would be out of anyone's comfort zone. But I told her from the start I'd be fine with however much she could give. I promised her I wouldn't ask for…too much…" He frowned and his voice trailed off."Did you keep that promise?"Garfield's heart tightened. "I…not really, no. I
am
selfish.""I don't think you are. I do think maybe working on your self-esteem could help."He huffed and chuckled slightly. "Well,
now
you just sound like Raven.""I'll be taking that as a compliment.""She always said validation needed to start with me and stuff. And she said it wouldn't matter how many times she told me she loved me if I couldn't stop beating myself up.""And you disagree with that?""Well, no." He smiled and rolled his eyes. "It's just that…you know, easier said than done. I mean, sure, I'd love that. But…how do I even start?""Here's a thought. You
could
start by going on this very personal journey to the source of your powers on your own."The shapeshifter bit his lip.
Maybe she's right. It would feel good to do that. He took a deep breath. "I…okay. I'll try.""So…tell me more about your childhood."Garfield got into it. He talked to her twice a week and at first he was deeply uncomfortable, because a lot of what they talked about was painful to him. But it
was
helping. His distorted image of himself and twisted beliefs weren't quite dismantled yet, but he
was
starting to question them. It was much harder work than laying his head on Raven's lap and falling asleep to wake up feeling better, but in a way, it felt good that
he
was the one doing all the work this time. He followed the strange sensation he got whenever he changed and focused on his core, and he actually
saw
that life force he always connected with. The more confident he felt, the easier it was. And then at one point, while he meditated, he saw
himself
there and he just knew what it was. Even Nightwing seemed proud when he told them about
The Red."It's like, this force that connects
all
animal life. In like, the
whole
Universe. The whole Multiverse! It's what I tap into whenever I shapeshift! And it feels
amazing!""That is actually
wicked, man!" Cyborg high-fived him.Conner smirked. "It's pretty cool.""Can you go there and communicate with other worlds and the animals in them?" Damian asked, fully interested."Can you call on them to help us if we need them?" Ravager asked eagerly."Okay, calm down you two." Richard told the younger Titans before turning to Garfield and smiling. "That's awesome, BB. We can work with that."The Changeling beamed at him. Everyone else's praise was great, but he
really
missed Nightwing's approval. It felt nice. "Thanks."Garfield also had a new favorite song. It wasn't like the other ones. It wasn't a storm-into-the-ops-room-cheerfully-singing-it kind of song. It was a heartbreak song. The more he worked through his insecurities, the more he understood what he took from her, and the more he understood what he did, the less he thought he'd ever get her back. So in a way, his heart was heavier than ever. He listened to
Against All Odds (Phil Collins)
in his room to cry over her and get it out of his system. He didn't even care that Conner could hear. He felt slightly better afterwards.His dreams changed a lot too. There was this one recurring dream he started having every other night. It usually started with him realizing he was back in Africa, and seeing a little green boy in front of him. The boy turned around and Garfield knew who it was, obviously. It was him. Except
this
child had the most confident look on his face, as if he'd figured out all the secrets of the Universe. It was a little intimidating."When will you understand we are
never
alone?" Younger Garfield would say through a smile. "We are
all
of them."He gestured towards their surroundings and the shapeshifter looked around to see every animal he had ever seen or heard of – and even some that he hadn't – gathered around them. It felt familiar, comforting, exciting and terrifying, all at the same time. And then the little boy would disappear and an older man would take his place. He didn't have green skin, though. He was tall, with strawberry-blond hair and gentle eyes."D-dad?""Hello, my son."Garfield's mouth usually hung open while Mark Logan walked to him and placed a kind but firm hand on his shoulder, or sometimes pulled him into a hug."It's time to become the man you're supposed to be." Mark would tell him.He usually woke up at that point, with mixed feelings about the whole thing. It wasn't a
bad
dream. It did leave a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. But at the same time, it was a little overwhelming. But the more he dreamed about it, the less scary it got. He even managed to glance at his parents' wedding rings again, which he hadn't done since she left."Hey dude, mind if we join you?" Victor asked his best friend.The shapeshifter had been sitting on the rocks outside the tower, smoking weed and absentmindedly humming the melody of his new favorite song. He turned around and saw both Cyborg and Damian standing there. "Hey." He held out the joint. "Do you want some?""For sure." Robin gratefully accepted it and smoked before Cyborg could protest. "Let's not tell my brother about this, yes?"The Changeling nodded. "Please."Victor sighed in defeat and accepted it as well. They sat with Garfield by the rocks and passed the joint between them."That's actually what we wanted to talk to you about. This…" The half-robot pointed at the weed. "All of it…it needs to stop, man."The shapeshifter nodded. "I know."Cyborg frowned. "You do?""Yeah." The Changeling smiled a little. "The sex, the drinking, the drugs, the scandals…it's not even fun anymore. It just keeps me from thinking about her. But…I think I need to. To think about her, I mean.""You can talk to us about it." Damian said plainly.Garfield smiled at him. "You know, I thought you'd hate me. You and Rae were close."The young Robin chuckled slightly. "We
are
close. She nearly got captured fixing my spine. And no one
hates
you, man. I
was
pissed. But Richard told me Raven asked him not to punish you before she left. So I figured she doesn't want us to hold a grudge against you."The Changeling frowned and took the joint again, smoking a bit more. It really did make things numb and easy. He would miss it. "She did…?""Yeah." Damian shrugged. "But then again, that doesn't surprise me. She loves you."Garfield scowled. "She
loved
me. Past tense. But thanks.""What makes you so sure?" Victor nudged him playfully. "I see you eyeing each other all sensually when we fight them. And all the ambiguous flirty stuff?"This time they all laughed. It was true. He and Raven had been teasing each other a lot. On their last confrontation, Garfield pointed out she looked good and Raven said he did too, and that mindless sex with groupies suits him, to which he replied
not as much as psychotic witch boys suit you. They were both clearly jealous.The shapeshifter was the first to stop laughing. "That's just…fun. She won't forgive me. But…you don't wanna hear about my problems, trust me. You two and your
perfect
relationships." Garfield smiled at Cyborg. "See how the tables have turned? Besides, now we pay someone to listen to me, so it's all good."Damian frowned in confusion. "Wait, what perfect relationship am
I
in!?"The other two boys stared at him and Garfield smirked. "C'mon, Robin. Are you going to take as long as I did to see a girl that's like,
right
in front of you?"Robin scoffed. He actually
had
seen her. They meant Rose. He liked her company. And she made him feel stuff – uncomfortable stuff. "We're here to talk about
you.""Actually, we will need to circle back on Damian and Slade's daughter, but he's right, BB. I do wanna hear. You heard me once, so now I'll listen to you." Cyborg said, passing Garfield the joint again.The Changeling took it and stared at him. "It's been too much to bear, so I've been trying to go numb. The thing is…I really lost her. I don't think I can change that. And that…that
burns.""But…you're Rae and Gar." Cyborg nudged him."And I hope she comes home, I do. I'll keep trying to get her back in that way. But…she won't trust me again." Garfield said intently."Well, not if you're partying like a crazy person every night…""No, not in any case." The shapeshifter continued. "But…feeling numb isn't working. It works for a little while, but then it makes me feel even worse." He finally brought the joint back to his lips. "This is my last one."Damian narrowed his eyes and Cyborg raised a skeptical eyebrow."I mean it." The Changeling chuckled. "I've decided there's only one thing left to do.""What's that?" Robin asked."Striving to be better. To be the person she deserved. I can't go back and fix it now, but I think…I think that would make her feel better. It would make us
both
feel better. And that's enough for now." Garfield answered softly.The other two boys smiled genuinely at him."Well, that's surprisingly mature." Damian laughed slightly."Yeah, man. I'm proud of you!" Victor said. "Maybe I should try this therapy stuff…""So when you're like a whole new man and all that…are we getting less stupid jokes?" Robin asked playfully.Garfield blinked at him. "The jokes are not negotiable. You need the jokes, Damian. Your life is dark and twisted."The weed had definitely kicked in, because they stared at each other blankly for a few seconds before bursting into hysterical laughter."Wait…that wasn't
that
funny…was it?" Cyborg panted, wiping his human eye, because they were laughing so much he was nearly crying. "Why is that so funny?""It's the weed." Garfield laughed harder."Hey, imagine if-" Robin was interrupted by their communicators ringing. His eyes widened. "Oh, shit! I was
just
going to say
imagine if my brother calls us NOW!"The laughter got impossibly louder."You answer, man." Garfield told Cyborg, still trying to slow his breathing. "He won't be as mad at you if he notices.""Okay, okay, fine. Shut up, you two." Victor said, pulling his communicator out.The other boys suppressed their laughter and Victor fought back a smile when Richard's face showed up. "Hey, Dick. Man. Man Dick. Not that you're a dick. Well, except sometimes…but mostly, you know. Not a dick. Just…Dick."Nightwing was frowning quizzically at him. "Uh…sure. Listen, emergency meeting in the ops room. Do you know where Garfield and Damian are? They didn't answer.""Ah, they're here with me. We'll be there. Bye." Victor blurted out before turning it off, because the two younger boys were looking hysterical trying not to break and it made
him
want to laugh at them really badly.As soon as Dick's face disappeared, they all burst out laughing again."At least it's not the trouble alarm." Robin said, standing up and still chuckling lightly.They washed their faces before heading to the emergency meeting, still slightly high. Then they sat down on the couch and focused on looking serious and paying attention.Nightwing cleared his throat. "Guys, we need to catch Rae. The longer she stays with them, the more danger she's in and the more powerful they get. I trust her, but she could get drunk on power, and, well…we can't get through to her if we only ever exchange a few words in battle. So…we need ideas.""She gets tired when she uses too much power, right? She passed out after exorcising me and resurrecting the Changeling. And she didn't teleport after healing Damian. What if we just…you know, wear her down?" Conner shrugged.Starfire nodded. "Sure, that could work, but what about when she recharges?""Is there a way to keep her from doing that?" Bumblebee asked. "What about Jinx? Couldn't she make it harder for Rae to get her strength back?"Nightwing frowned. "I mean, maybe. But we can't keep Jinx shooting bad luck at her twenty-four seven, she has her own limits. We need something that will contain her and
last.""What about those bracelets?" Superboy suggested. "The ones the Witch Boy had made for her. I know she disposed of them, but…can't we, like, get them back? Can't Barry, Wally or Zatanna get there? They can travel between realities too, right?""Wally's still figuring that out. Besides, none of them can get
there. It was an
entirely
different world. It took multiples powerful sorcerers to open
that
bridge." Nightwing pondered. "I suppose Zatanna
could
reach out to Dr. Strange if we had his amulet…he would want to help Raven. But…she took that with her too.""Can we make new bracelets?" Bumblebee frowned. "I mean, I know it sounds shitty, but…""Sure, let's just do that. We'll call Lucifer and ask for another pair. Who has Satan on speed dial?" Ravager smirked and folded her arms.Damian laughed a little too loud. Cyborg and the Changeling desperately tried to contain their own chuckles."Do any of
you three
have a suggestion?" Richard narrowed his eyes at them.Robin managed to regain control. "Ah…what about the sex crystal?" He turned to Garfield and smirked when he saw his cheeks turn red. "How did it work again?"The Changeling scratched the back of his neck. "Ah, well…she has to say these weird words. She's the only one who can activate it, though.
And
deactivate it.""So, potentially,
if
we had it, we could wear her down, then restrain her, then make her say the magical words, then gag her so she couldn't turn it off, and then try to reason with her?" Damian counted the steps on his fingers.
Wait, there's a lot that can go wrong with that. "I don't know about you guys, but I think it sounds a little risky."Garfield blushed deeper and crossed his legs, because he was suddenly a little turned on.Ravager chuckled mockingly. "That
would infuriate her. Besides, how would we
make
her say the words? My dad tortured her for months and got nothing out of her.""Well, I mean…it's kind of mean, but…" Conner said unsurely. "If you overwhelm her emotionally she would
have
to, right? If she was on edge and about to lose control, wouldn't she rather activate it and be powerless?"Kory bit her lip. "Probably…but…"Superboy looked at Garfield. "You could hurt her feelings. God knows why, but she lets you get to her, so…it could work."The Changeling frowned. "Well,
that's
a douchey plan! I'm
not
doing
that."Richard folded his arms. "You're doing whatever it takes to get her home, whether it's
douchey
or not. The whole thing is fucked up anyway."Garfield stared at him pitifully.
Please, don't make me break her heart to trick her into being powerless. She would hate me so much. He shivered a little, imagining the hurt in her eyes.Nightwing sighed. "It doesn't matter; Damian's right. It's too risky.
And
she took that crystal with her too. All these plans involve breaking into Siren Mansion.""Well, let's just do
that!" Cyborg shouted as if it was the simplest solution in the world.Bumblebee frowned at him. "Are you okay, honey? Did you forget it's a fortress? And she can sense us coming?"Victor chuckled sheepishly. "Oh, yeah. Right."Starfire shook her head. "Besides, I absolutely
hate
all these plans. They make us sound despicable."Garfield raised his hand. "I agree! These plans
suck."
As hot as tied up Raven sounds.Nightwing frowned. "I know guys, but…if we keep playing fair we'll just lose her for good. We're talking about Raven. She can do
anything,
right? It requires strategic moves."The Changeling absentmindedly smiled a little.
She CAN do anything.Starfire sighed heavily. "What if we just try to get her another shot at the ascension and Sixth Dimension thing? You know,
actually
fix things.""I sort of agree with that." Ravager said.Garfield stiffened.
I still don't want her to go. But…she deserves it. And it would make her happy. It COULD even make her forgive me. Maybe she wouldn't completely forget about me…maybe..."It was a one-time-only offer, Kor." Damian said sadly. "But I guess it wouldn't hurt to try."The Changeling was still slightly high, but he was dead serious when he turned to Damian. "Can I help this time? Please, I…I want to help."Robin rolled his eyes and smiled slightly, looking a lot more open and breezy than his usual self. Garfield
had
already been helping him try to find another way to sneak her into Heaven and he hadn't annoyed him to death yet. "Fine, whatever. Why not? But no stupid jokes."Ravager realized she was smiling at how carefree Damian sounded in his current state and quickly collected herself."No promises!" Garfield grinned, spreading his arms wide.Cyborg chuckled loudly. And then he suddenly got serious and frowned. "Wait, did we come up with a plan to catch Rae? Did I miss it?""Nope." Damian and Garfield said in unison, before giggling at each other's faces."Are you three high or something?" Nightwing crossed his arms over his chest.The three boys looked and felt absolutely busted, tripping over their words while everyone else laughed openly realizing that they were, indeed, high. Bumblebee folded her arms and glared at her boyfriend, who smiled sheepishly in return."Nice. Very helpful." Richard raised an eyebrow at Garfield. "I assume this is
your
doing.""It was his
last
joint, bro!" Damian protested."Yeah." Cyborg elbowed the Changeling. "He's done with all that, right, BB?"Garfield grunted tiredly. "Yeah. I'm gonna grow up or whatever." He noticed Dick looked skeptical, so he chuckled and raised one hand in the air. "No, seriously. Scout's honor."Nightwing rolled his eyes, but relaxed a little.
Maybe he's serious. "Well, I'm glad to hear that.""Last joint until Raven marries Klarion or something." Superboy muttered.The Changeling felt his blood run cold and jumped, standing up on the couch and looking completely deranged. "Wait, she's
marrying
Klarion!?"Ravager sighed. "He means hypothetically.
And
he's messing with you. Chill."Garfield took a few deep breaths and sat down again. "Oh…oh, okay…good."Conner laughed along with Damian and Victor and Nightwing sighed and rubbed his temples, wondering if bringing Raven back into this mess really was the best idea.A few days later, the trouble alarm went off when the Sirens were invading a high-security prison to make more slaves and steal important criminal files. Information was power, so they often engaged in collecting it."We're
really
counting on Raven's good will for this plan." Superboy frowned. "Are we
sure
she won't just let everyone die?""We're sure." Garfield said confidently. "I know her; she'll save them.""I think it's a brilliant plan." Batgirl said, smiling at Nightwing.Richard smiled back, but his heart ached. This had been a bit of a struggle for him. Having Barbara this close again was becoming a problem, because it was awakening all his feelings for her and now he was utterly confused. He loved Starfire – that much he knew. She was amazing and gorgeous and sweet and weird in the best possible way, and she pushed him and inspired him to be his very best version. But then there was Barbara, who felt so damn familiar and knew him really well because she'd been there for him through his weakest times. And she was cunning and pretty and he sort of loved her too. Kory still made him nervous, but it was extremely easy with Barbara and he wasn't sure which he should want anymore.The Sirens were collecting files and prisoners on the third floor. Raven would search their hearts and decide who they should torture for information, enslave or spare. The Titans quickly found them, but she just manipulated them into laying down their weapons. She also noticed – with some disappointment – a certain green shapeshifter was missing.The empath smirked at her former teammates. "When will you understand that-"And then she stopped talking at once, because the entire building shook and a loud crushing sound echoed through the floors."Holy SHIT!" Someone shouted, staring up at the gigantic green…lizard? Whatever it was, it was roaring ferociously and apparently trying to take the building down.Raven's eyes widened and she panicked, but only for a second. This was a huge construction with multiple floors, crowded with workers and prisoners – not to mention her friends. If even a single floor collapsed, people would die. She instinctively floated into the air and raised her arms above her head to hold the building in place with dark energy. She struggled to keep the entire structure from falling apart. It felt like lifting a much heavier weight than recommended and it took undivided concentration, so needless to say her hold on the Titans was gone."What the fuck is
that!?" Catwoman looked up at the enormous monster.Harley Quinn's eyes sparkled and she grinned, jumping up and down. "That's
Godzilla!"Raven frowned, still struggling to keep the building from crumbling down.
Huh. It
was
Godzilla. And the Titans were the only ones who didn't seem confused, shocked or scared – they quickly engaged against her allies without even flinching, but she couldn't care about that now. Most of the ceiling and several walls had been smashed and she was trying to hold all the pieces together and keep them from crushing someone. The floors were caving under people's feet.The empath started to sweat. And then she recognized the monster's aura.
Godzilla? No, that's Garfield.
What the fuck is he doing!?
The building nearly crumbled and she lowered herself to the floor, but kept her arms stretched out to stop the structure from falling apart, focusing entirely on what she was doing. No one attacked her, because they knew if they did, everyone would die. But the Titans definitely took advantage of her absence in the fight. Once
Godzilla
had done enough damage, he just disappeared.Raven grunted when Garfield strutted inside breezily, whistling to some new song he was probably obsessed with and looking around. They were alone in the room now, but people were still running around, fighting or trying to escape through several floors, so she was still supporting the entire building. The Titans were taking everyone outside and handing the prisoners to the cops. She glared at the Changeling when he smiled cheekily at her."That
looks difficult." The shapeshifter stated."You
did this." She hissed. "Why?"
He's not out of control. What is he thinking!?"To keep you busy, of course. I'm calling it
Garzilla!" Garfield merrily grabbed the boxes of files. "I'll be taking these, if you don't mind."Raven's anger peaked. "Don't even think about it."He stopped and frowned innocently. "Why? Are you going to drop the building to stop me?"Her eyes widened and sparkled at the same time. There was a part of her that admired this plan. It was smart. Infuriating, but smart. Also, she couldn't help enjoying the fact that he could turn into Godzilla now. It was getting a bit too easy lately, so she appreciated the challenge. Still, he was acting smug and it annoyed the crap out of her. But if she was being honest, it was exhilarating too. "So you put civilian lives in danger just to beat me?"Garfield moved closer to her and admired her freely. She was all sweaty, panting and flushed because of the effort and it reminded him a little of what she looked like when they had rough sex.
They're not really in danger. Not while you're here, love."Stop looking at me like that." The sorcerer glared daggers at him.The Changeling smirked. "Stop looking so damn fine and maybe I will."
Oh, there it is. The explicit flirting. Wally was right. Although she might just kill me now.She narrowed her eyes.
The nerve of this jerk. "I'll get you for this."Garfield grinned widely and a little mischievously, shooting her a charming wink. "Can't wait."Raven ignored the goosebumps she got from that. "This plan of yours isn't very
heroic."The shapeshifter tossed a Titan communicator on the floor next to her then picked up the boxes again. "We'll let you know when everyone's out of the building. Thanks, love.""I'll drop it. I
will." She threatened.
No I won't. He got me.Garfield stopped and smiled at her.
She's so hot. I love her so much. I wish I could tease her more.
"No, you won't."And then he left and she cursed internally.
I'm turning him into a frog. Permanently. No, I'm turning him into a fucking cockroach and keeping him in a jar. Then I'll shake the jar every day and laugh. She winced under the weight of the tall construction.
Damn him. I'm not doing any of that."Raven!?" Harley Quinn came rushing in."Oh, good. Quinnie. I thought about reaching out but…ugh!" The sorcerer steadied herself before continuing, because this was only getting harder. "Where is everyone?""They fled. We need to go too!""Not yet." Raven frowned, completely focused.Harley walked up to her and watched her intently. "Why not?""Because I said so."The blond Siren grinned. "You're crazier than me, aren't you?"The empath chuckled weakly. "Probably.""Uh…Raven?" Nightwing's voice sounded clear from the communicator on the floor. "The building and the perimeter are clear. Take it down."She grunted loudly and brought her arms down, immediately pulling Harley close and disappearing into the floor with her. They emerged in Siren Mansion and the sorcerer collapsed on her knees, panting heavily. Klarion was by her side in a heartbeat, but she pushed him away and stood up, looking beyond distressed. "Ugh. Those
jerks!
That
douchebag!""I know, right?" Catwoman said, glancing at one of her disposable phones. "They're taking credit for supposedly taking Godzilla down."Raven huffed in outrage. "They WERE Godzilla. It was Garfield. To keep me busy."Pamela scowled. "You're fucking with me."Harley Quinn gasped. "What!?
Can't we tell everyone!?""Who would believe us?" Ivy rolled her eyes. "I hate to admit it, but I'm a little impressed.""It's kind of messed up though, right?" Selina frowned. "I mean, can you
believe
they went there?!""I can." Raven downed a drink by the bar and then smiled a small, intrigued smile. "That's the Titans for you."Harley chuckled wickedly. "They're getting creative!"The empath smirked, regaining her cool. "It's all good. They're finally putting up a fight, that's all. We'll get them next time.""Yeah, it will be more fun this way." Poison Ivy smiled evilly.Later that day, Harley Quinn knocked on Raven's door and hopped inside her room when the empath let her in."Thanks for not mentioning I stayed behind to save people." The sorcerer said plainly.The blonde sat on her bed and dismissed her with a hand wave. "No problem. So…"Raven folded her arms and raised an eyebrow. "…so?""Why were you all
flustered
when I found you?" Harley grinned mischievously.The former Titan huffed and rolled her eyes. "I was
not.""You
so
were. I thought we were friends!
Tell meee."Raven sighed.
Well, she didn't tell on me. Maybe I should just talk to her. Azar, I miss Starfire. "Fine. He flirted with me. Don't worry; I'm not going back to him, I just…""I
knew
it!" Harley chuckled, clapping in euphoria. "And you can flirt with him if you want. You can do
whatever
you want. It's part of the
bad bitch
package.""No, I know. It's just that, well…""You still love him." The blond Siren said bluntly. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."Raven stared at her blankly for a few seconds. Harley was dead serious for a change. There was no judgement emanating from her, though.
Am I that obvious?"I'm more insightful than I look, huh?"The empath exhaled. "I keep forgetting you used to be a psychiatrist."Back in Titan Tower, Garfield felt good. Not only did their plan work – and he was a big part of it, which partially earned him Dick's trust back – and confirmed Raven's resisting goodness, but he got to flirt with her. He'd even gone further than planned and she definitely looked annoyed, but he was sure he saw a glint of amusement or excitement in her eyes. And he could tell she wasn't hurt. Angry, yes, but not hurt. He could recognize heartbroken Raven easily now, for unfortunate reasons. He didn't feel less guilty about the whole thing, but he felt good about being productive and not drowning in sorrow. The way he saw it, keeping her from going too far was his way of protecting her now.A few weeks later, it was Raven's birthday – and Halloween. And naturally, both occasions were being celebrated in grand style in Siren Mansion. She had meditated for hours already and decided to have a good time, so the empath was chilling on her throne while
Celebrity Skin (Hole)
blasted from the sound system.
Maybe I can take Klarion to some hellish dimension and fuck tonight. I kind of miss sex."Well, this is all very impressive." Lex Luthor said, approaching her and raising a glass.Anyone who meant anything in the criminal world was taking a night off because they knew this was the place to be, and that obviously included him.Raven looked down on him. "Yes, well. I don't need
poison
to control people.""I can see that." Lex smiled and climbed the stairs to get to her. A few of their minions got in front of him when he got too close."It's fine." Raven dismissed them. "He's not a threat.""This is a
huge
improvement from the last time we met." Luthor looked her up and down.The empath smiled wickedly at him. "If you're going to lust after me, get in line with every other creep in town."Lex chuckled. "Don't get me wrong, I could. But I don't think that would be wise. I think you'll crush anyone who lusts after you once you're done with them.""That's why you're the smart one." The sorcerer smirked."You would know. You were in my head."Raven rolled her eyes. "I'm not apologizing for that, if that's what you want. But for what it's worth, most interesting brain I've ever invaded."The villain grinned widely, because
that
certainly inflated his ego. "I don't want an apology. I just want to congratulate you. I heard you broke the Joker. Vicious."She sighed. "Yeah…he was a mess. I just cleaned it up.""So you're not all
in love
anymore?" Lex narrowed his eyes. It was time to get to the point. He did come with an agenda.Raven scoffed.
Well don't let him know you're weak. "Imply that
one
more time and I'll banish you to the Phantom Zone."He chuckled. "No need. I just meant getting over him suits you. You're much stronger now."
And I can get to him without worrying about your wrath. Perfect. He had been planning and waiting since he heard they broke up."I'm aware, Luthor. Is there a point you're getting to?" She raised an eyebrow.Already did. "No. I just hope we can do business in the future."Meanwhile in Titan Tower, Richard and Barbara found themselves alone in the training room. Conner and Krypto were out on a mission and everyone else was done training for the day."Hey, Dick…?" Batgirl said unsurely.He turned around to smile at her, but then he noticed she had a strange look on her face and frowned. "What's wrong, Babs?""I just…" She walked up to him slowly and looked into his eyes. "I missed you."Nightwing's breath caught in his throat.
Shit. He knew that look on her. It was longing."I know you're…not available." She cleared her throat softly. "But I…I guess I'm just wondering if
you're
wondering. About us, I mean. I know you missed me too."Richard inhaled deeply, but then he immediately regretted it, because she was too close and he inhaled her intoxicating, familiar scent. "I…of course I did."Barbara stepped even closer to him, her heart pounding in her chest, and looked up at him with wide eyes. "Then please stop playing with me." She whispered. "Tell me if you still have feelings for me."His mind got a little blurry. "Babs…"They were so close by now they could feel each other's breaths on their faces. And then they closed their eyes and leaned in slightly, parting their lips. And right in that moment, Dick's brain started functioning again and he pulled back."I do have feelings for you. But I...I have feelings for Kory too."Batgirl opened her eyes and frowned. "Well, who do you like more?"It wasn't common to see Nightwing look like a deer caught in the headlights, but right now he was a pitiful sight, because he had no idea what he wanted. And then, as if all entities had gathered to come up with ways to make him miserable, Starfire suddenly walked in and gasped. Richard turned around at once and the look on her face broke his heart."Kory! It…hi." Nightwing said lamely.Starfire could tell she was about to cry, so she stormed out of there as fast as she could."No, wait!" Dick ran after her. "Kory, nothing happened!"Starfire hastily spun on her heels. "That
was not nothing!" She'd seen their closeness and the way they were staring at each other and touching each other's arms. She knew that was
something.
"What is going on between you two?! Just
tell me!
Do you want her?"He considered lying, but he couldn't lie to her. Not when she was staring intently into his eyes like this. "I-I…I don't know! I…I'm sorry, I'm just…I'm so confused."Kory studied his face for a few short seconds. He looked absolutely miserable, but that couldn't soften her. Raven wasn't the only one with pride. It wounded her profoundly, this confusion of his, because she had never had a doubt in her mind about them. She hardened her face. "If you're that much of a coward let me make this easier for you. We are
over."No. No, no, no, wait. Dick choked up. He didn't even care that the others had gathered around them. "Babe, please, that's not what I want.""You don't know
what
you want!" She entered her room, glaring at him. "And
don't
call me that!" She slammed her door shut in his face.Garfield frowned and felt sick to his stomach, because the whole thing was giving him triggers.Starfire collapsed on her bed and sobbed into her pillow.
Where's Raven when I need her!? Oh, right. She's heartbroken too. She cried harder, cursing the existence of love itself. And then her anger got the best of her. "You're a
cheater
and a
liar!
I
hate
you!"Nightwing took a literal step back at that. It felt like being hit by a truck. Only much, much worse. His eyes were full of tears now and he was suddenly very aware of everyone's gazes on him.
I need to get out of here.
He ran outside and stopped Damian when he tried to follow him. He didn't want anyone to see him cry. Richard stumbled on the rocks by the bay, fell to his knees and sobbed quietly."…Nightwing?"He took a short break from bawling his eyes out to turn at her low voice. The only person he didn't mind seeing him cry. "R-Rae? What are you doing here?"Raven slowly walked up to him with kind and concerned eyes. "It's my birthday. I thought…I don't know…I felt nostalgic.""Oh." Dick was trying not to break down in front of her, but then she sat next to him and touched his back in support and he sobbed again."Shh…it's okay." The empath pulled him closer so he was crying on her shoulder and she gently stroked his hair. "What happened?"Richard gratefully accepted her kindness. It was soft and soothing and it was much better than crying alone. "Kory…Babs…it…""Oh. Did you cheat?""No, of course not!" He sniffled miserably."I believe you. Sorry."I believe you. Richard cried a little harder. "She doesn't…she called me a cheater.""Oh…I'm sorry. That's not fair.""Could you maybe…" He looked up at her pitifully, with swollen red eyes. "Could you tell her I'm telling the truth?"Raven frowned. "You'd always know she only believed you because of my powers, is that what you want?""I…I don't know." Dick cradled his head in his hands. "I don't know what to do…"She touched his shoulder lightly. "I know, I understand.""I'm sorry. You didn't come here to be overwhelmed with my heartache. I know you have your own. And it's your birthday. I'm so sorry." Nightwing tried to calm down so he could at least smile at her and wish her a happy birthday."That's okay; we can just be hurt and pathetic together."Richard chuckled sadly. "Your sense of humor is still twisted."Raven shrugged. "Well, I made you smile, so...mission accomplished."He nodded. He'd missed her terribly. "I'm sorry this sucks for you, but…I
am
glad you're here."Suddenly, her eyes became deeper and her voice softer. "Did you ever think…maybe…we got it all wrong?"Nightwing frowned.
What's that in her eyes?
"What do you mean?"Raven looked down slightly. "You know…we fell so hard for them…what if this whole time we should have been…" She looked back up at him again and her stare was so deep it could cut him open. "…with someone else? Someone…easier?"Richard's eyes widened.
Wait, is she saying what I…shit.
He realized Raven
was
implying that they should be together from the way she was looking at him.
Wait, that's insane. It's Raven. Right!?
Nightwing looked at her and frowned.
Raven. She was beautiful. To be fair, he already knew that, he just didn't know he could find her
kissable. But…his heart had been aching so badly and her presence did make it slightly better.
What if she's right? It's so easy to talk to her. Maybe that's how it's supposed to feel. But…it's Raven.And then a dangerous line of thought formed in his mind. That maybe the reason he was so confused was because while Babs was so much like him and felt like home, Kory was exciting and different, like a never-ending adventure. And in many ways, Raven was both. Besides, he was so confused already, and so damn heartbroken, and she was being sweet."I mean, maybe…" She whispered, leaning in. "…maybe we haven't been that smart…"Dick had a moment of weakness.
Let her ease your pain.
He closed his swollen eyes and leaned in too, bringing a hand to her hair. "I…maybe…"Nightwing and Raven kissed slowly at first and then they deepened the kiss as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and climbed onto his lap. Richard had been out of it for a few seconds, but that seemed to harshly shove him back to reality.
Shit. It's Raven. This is wrong. He frowned and pulled away, realizing this was the furthest thing from the solution to his problem. "Wait, Raven, stop. What are we doing!? We can't do this."She tilted her head to the side. "Oh."Dick bit his lip regretfully and fought back tears. "Shit, I'm so sorry. You're hurt because of Garfield and I…I took advantage of that. I made things weird forever. You don't like me like that, Rae. And I love you, but…not like that. And Kory…shit,
Kory."
Fuck, I just kissed her best friend. Maybe she was right not to trust me. I fucked everything up now.Raven awkwardly got off his lap when he started crying again. "No,
I'm
sorry. You're right.""Please don't tell her."The empath touched his shoulder lightly again. "Don't worry. It was a lapse of judgement. Never happened." She smiled sadly when he looked up at her. "You two are meant to be. Just talk to her again."Nightwing returned her sad smile. "Thanks, Rae. You're right.""I'm always right." She smirked.Richard was expecting to hear
I usually am. He narrowed his eyes. "Huh…"Raven noticed and wondered if she'd slipped and given herself away somehow, because naturally, she wasn't Raven at all.
Real Raven
had been back in Siren Mansion celebrating her birthday and Halloween all night. Finally, he seemed to relax and shake off whatever suspicions he had and she exhaled.Meanwhile, Kory's room had been invaded by multiple Titans as soon as Nightwing ran off. Bumblebee stroked her hair and Garfield passed her tissues while Cyborg went to get her ice cream. Once she calmed down a little, Barbara Gordon awkwardly stood by her door."Can I please tell you something?" Batgirl asked.Starfire frowned.
I don't want to hear. But I also do. She wasn't entirely sure what she believed in yet. All she knew was she had walked into a highly suspicious scene. "Fine."Barbara walked in surely. "Starfire. Nothing. Happened." When the alien just bit her lip, she went on. "Listen, I'll admit…I have been nurturing remaining feelings for him. And I'm sorry about that. This isn't what I…I'm not usually…I wouldn't…" She sighed. "Anyway, he's confused, but…he didn't cheat on you."Starfire watched her intently.
Shit. I think she's telling the truth. She wanted to hold it against him, but being confused wasn't really his choice – not cheating was. Now that she wasn't so angry anymore, she started regretting her outburst."We didn't kiss." Batgirl said pointedly.Kory felt her chest tighten. "I…I need to talk to him."The trouble alarm sounded in the ops room, making them all run or fly there in a hurry. There was no trouble, though – at least not of the criminal sort. Instead, there was a video playing on the TV. It made everyone let out loud, shocked, outraged gasps and it made Starfire and Beast Boy's whole worlds turn upside down, because they were watching Raven straddling Nightwing as they made out by the rocks outside. Garfield's entire body shut down."Well, damn." Ravager said, leaning against the wall. "I did
not
see that coming."Bumblebee frowned. "Ah…maybe there's a reasonable explanation…"Kory's face hardened. "What's a
reasonable
explanation for this?"Barbara was busy dealing with her own shock and heartache.And then a depressed Richard came into the ops room. As soon as he realized what was happening, he froze and all color drained from his face. "…shit."If Raven had been there, she would have had a hard time identifying who was hurting the most. It was a double betrayal for Kory, because it was her boyfriend
and
her best friend. If she was hurt when she thought he'd kissed Batgirl, this was a thousand times worse. It was
Raven. She felt like she lost the two most important people in her life – and the two people she trusted the most – at once.Richard realized his little moment of weakness had been made public and probably ruined everything. His relationship, his friendships, his team…all he held dear. And the way Kory was looking at him made him feel absolutely worthless. She seemed equally furious and hurt.Garfield was still frozen in place, forcing himself to watch the footage, unsure of whether to hate Nightwing, Raven or himself. His heavy heart broke in a million pieces again.
Is this to punish me? She said we could stop hurting each other. Does she like him? Has she ALWAYS liked him!?
He panted as his mind tortured him.
Of course she likes him, everyone likes him better. She probably only got with me because he wasn't an option. He's better than me at everything. He always gets everything. She knows I'm jealous of him. She knows how much this would hurt me. Why would she do this to me!? Unless…does she love him?She probably loves him. She doesn't owe me anything, I broke her heart. Silent tears were rolling down his cheeks and he desperately wanted to stop watching, but he couldn't look away. He was vaguely aware of Starfire shouting at Nightwing and Cyborg trying to stop the video.
No, but…wait. She wouldn't do this to Kory. She's not cruel. She's Raven. She wouldn't. I've been wrong about her too many times. She wouldn't do this."Babe, I'm so sorry. I swear, I don't know what happened, but it didn't mean anything! We were just heartbroken and confused. I stopped it, I swear. Please, you have to believe me…" Richard pleaded in a strained voice."I don't
care
HOW it happened or WHY it happened. You kissed my best friend!" Starfire cried."No, this…it makes no sense." Garfield whispered.Everyone stared at him and he finally looked away from the TV.Kory frowned. "Maybe it makes
perfect
sense. Maybe we've just been too
dumb
to see it."Richard opened his mouth to speak, but the Changeling beat him to it."No, I…I don't believe it. I
can't
believe it." The shapeshifter shook his head."What do you mean, you don't
believe
it!?" Starfire pointed at the TV. "It's right there! We are looking at it, how can you not believe it?""I-I don't
know,
Star!" More tears rolled down Beast Boy's face. "I don't know, okay? I just
don't!""Well, Dick is
right here
admitting he did it." Kory's voice was a little kinder now that she realized he was probably in denial. "They did this to us, this is real."Garfield shot Richard a quick and painful glance and looked at the Tamaranean again. "She
wouldn't do this, Kor. I know it."Starfire chuckled bitterly and pointed at the screen again. "Then who is
that!?""I…" The Changeling forced himself to look one more time. It was definitely her. Every time he thought his heart couldn't possibly hurt more, something proved him wrong. "…Raven. That's Raven. But…"Starfire hugged him tightly and he sobbed softly into her shoulder. Nightwing wept quietly, wondering how to get either of them to forgive him. Conner and Krypto arrived and frowned at the dramatic and rather uncomfortable scene in front of them."…what happened
now?" Superboy asked. Rose and Damian just silently pointed at the TV and he turned his head.
Seriously? Am I the ONLY one she won't make out with?
"Oh. Awkward.""Yeah, that's
one
word for it." Ravager said pointedly.Krypto barked angrily at the TV until Cyborg finally managed to turn it off."Guys?" Damian walked up to his brother, the alien princess and the shapeshifter. "This is obviously some evil plan to get us to fight. It was probably Poison Ivy's idea.""He's right." Bumblebee said. "I mean, who filmed it and made sure you watched it? This is clearly meant to break you.""That doesn't matter." Starfire choked up. "It's still true. They still did it.""Kory, I
swear
it was only a few seconds of insanity. We stopped right after that, we don't feel that way about each other at all!" Richard said pleadingly.Garfield's heart tried to let that make him feel better.
They're not in love. We won't have to watch that again. I think…but…he's probably just saying what Kory wants to hear. He's already kissed her now. He could find out he likes her. His chest tightened again and he fought back the urge to grab it. He felt like he was shrinking in size with each second. The whole thing made him feel terribly small and he just wanted Raven to tell him it was all a hallucination. He noticed Cyborg had found his way to his side and was staring at him with wide and concerned eyes."I don't CARE! And don't you DARE blame this on me! I know I overreacted before, and I was
going to
apologize, but you had to go and kiss
Raven. Now it's
really
over, leave me alone!" Starfire flew out of the tower in tears.Richard took a few steps back and looked around at everyone. He realized this also probably made bringing Raven back to her old self harder.
I fucked up on so many levels. Shit. He didn't dare to face Garfield yet. "I…I'm sorry."The Titan leader ran off to his room and Cyborg pulled the Changeling into a hug the shapeshifter gratefully accepted."Babe, can you go after Kory?" Victor asked Karen, who nodded and immediately flew out the window. Then the half-robot turned to Robin. "I think you should check on your brother.""I think you're right." Damian said, heading after Nightwing.Once he was gone, Ravager sighed and narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Garfield noticed and slowly pulled away from Cyborg to go to her."What is it?" The shapeshifter asked quietly.Rose shook her head. "Nothing. I just…I know it seems obvious she's done this on purpose as part of some evil plan…but…I don't know, it's weird to me. I just don't see it."The Changeling allowed a weak spark of hope into his heart. "I know…I don't either…"The next time they fought the Sirens, which was only two days later, Raven noticed something was definitely…off. For starters, Nightwing actively avoided her – even more so than usual – and was feeling rather ashamed for some reason. Garfield avoided her too, which was also strange, because lately he'd be all flirty, smug and charming around her whenever they had a confrontation. The others were significantly more hostile, though. Even Krypto seemed upset.But the weirdest part was Starfire. Kory had remained friendly towards her since she left. She understood why the empath had to go and their feelings were simply too strong to be altered by which side they were on. So when the Tamaranean came at her with everything she had, shooting and attacking and glaring and emanating rage and resentment, Raven knew something was absolutely wrong."What the
fuck,
Kory?" The sorcerer frowned at the destruction her friend's blasts had caused after she dodged them. "Are you trying to
kill
me?"Starfire's angry, glowing, lilac eyes filled with tears. She didn't actually want to kill her, obviously. But the fact that Raven was acting as if nothing happened drove her insane.The empath frowned. "Kory, what's wrong?"But the alien princess was gone before she even finished the question."What was
that
about?" Selina asked."I have no idea…" Raven answered truthfully.
But I'm going to find out.Later that day, the tense and awkward atmosphere that had persevered since the Raven incident was making everyone in the ops room uncomfortable. They hadn't really discussed it much. Batgirl was gone. Dick begged Kory for forgiveness and she denied it, but she decided not to leave the team and her friends because of him. The Changeling and Starfire would be silent around Nightwing, who couldn't find it in him to give either of them orders anymore, which was a problem, because he still needed to be a leader. But everyone's hearts were simply too broken at the moment, so they were barely getting by. On top of everything, the Sirens had gotten the best of them earlier. But then a dark energy bird appeared in the middle of the room, making the Titans gasp and straighten up at once."There's no way…" Rose smiled incredulously.Raven was suddenly standing there, with her arms above her head, because they had immediately taken a defensive stance. "Don't worry, I come in peace."Garfield's heart sank when he saw her, because images of her kissing Nightwing wouldn't stop invading his brain.
I still can't believe it. Look at her. There's no way…"Bold of you to show up." Conner smirked at her. "Love the new look, by the way."Raven frowned, confused about everyone's emotions. There was fresh, new heartache from Garfield for sure. Starfire too. And Richard – his came with a considerable amount of guilt. Also, Dick couldn't even look at her. Everyone else was tense or worried – though Superboy was a little excited.The shapeshifter looked away from her and muttered under his breath. "What do you want?""I want to know what's going on." The empath said plainly. "Why is everyone acting weird and
feeling
weird towards me?"Bumblebee furrowed her brows. "You…you're kidding, right?"Raven folded her arms, absolutely annoyed. "Of course I'm not
kidding. I've been a Siren for weeks. This is different." She looked directly at Kory. "You
almost killed me. So spit it out." When everyone just stared at her quizzically, she let out an exasperated sigh. "Will
someone
just
tell
me
what you're all so hung up on already!?""Raven." Damian said pointedly. When she just stared at him with a questioning look on her face, he frowned.
Is she serious?
"I mean, you kissed Dick. Of course things are weird."She chuckled at what she assumed was Robin's twisted sense of humor until she realized by the tension in the room that it wasn't a joke.
Wait, they think I did WHAT!?"Please, enlighten me about which part of this is
funny
to you." Kory said. She meant to sound mad, but she just sounded hurt. She just couldn't believe Raven was laughing.The sorcerer scoffed. "Well,
all of it.
You think I kissed Dick? Are you all
insane?""Raven, we saw you." Cyborg sighed. "Maybe your new friends didn't tell you, but they filmed it. Someone hacked our system and…well…""We watched it there." Rose pointed at the TV. "Repeatedly and in high definition. Kinda gross, actually."Raven frowned, feeling even more confused.
No wonder everyone is uncomfortable. "Listen. I did
not
kiss him." She stated, pointing at Nightwing."Oh, reeeally?" Starfire asked exasperatedly, walking towards the TV and putting on the video again, in spite of everyone's protests. "Then what is
that!?
What are we looking at, Raven?""I can't believe she's putting us through this again." Ravager whispered tiredly to Damian.Garfield just looked away. So did Nightwing.Raven frowned and wrinkled her nose at the screen. And then she huffed loudly. "I have no idea. But
that's
not me!"Now everyone seemed just as confused as her. She noticed the Changeling was still looking away, though."…that's literally you, Rae." Cyborg said, looking at her as if she was crazy."Do
you
think I did this?" Raven asked Garfield directly.He looked up miserably. "I…I mean…it's right there…but I…you don't owe me anything…I just…I wish it was anyone else…couldn't you just…I don't know, make out with Conner instead?"Raven frowned. He was hurting
so
much.
Of course he's hurting. He thinks you kissed Dick."Yeah, what's up with that?" Superboy asked. "I called dibs, you know?""You can't call dibs on a person, Conner." Bumblebee said pointedly, rolling her eyes."I didn't do this." Raven was starting to get annoyed again. "When even was this?""Two nights ago…" Cyborg narrowed his eyes.
She's really committing to this.
Was she too drunk to remember it or something? That doesn't sound likely."Well, that was
my birthday.
I was in Siren Mansion all night."Nightwing sighed. "Raven…denying it won't help…""No, you guys aren't
listening
to me." The empath hissed. "That. Isn't. Me." She turned to Starfire again, who still seemed hurt and angry, but now she seemed a little concerned too. "Kory, look at me." She walked over to her friend and waited until she looked her in the eyes. "I would
never
do that to you."Koriand'r choked up and sobbed a little. She kept glancing back and forth between Raven and the screen, feeling absolutely lost.
I know what I'm seeing, but…I really want to believe her.Raven turned to the Changeling. "Or
to you." She said pointedly. "I mean, you know, no matter what…still…I wouldn't do
that."Garfield's expression immediately switched to surprise and his heartache eased considerably. For some reason, he trusted her more than he trusted his own eyes.Then Raven turned to Dick. "Or
to you. I know how much you love Kor and I lo…" She stopped midsentence before she could finish saying
I love Gar. Fuck, think fast. "…ove her too."
Was that too obvious? Get it together, Raven.
She cleared her throat. "Anyway, we don't feel that way about each other. I wouldn't let you do something that
stupid. If that
was
me, I would have
told
you you'd feel this shitty afterwards and
stopped
you."Richard inhaled and frowned.
That does sound more like her. She WAS acting a little weird…but I figured that was just the new villain version.Superboy smirked, glancing at the TV. "Okay, but…that looks
exactly
like you, destroyer of worlds.""I can see that, Conner." Raven sighed tiredly, rubbing her temples.Garfield was by her side in a heartbeat and made her turn around to look at him. "That's not you."She intently stared into his eyes and nodded. "That's not me."The Changeling smiled, unknowingly relieving Raven's heartache.
I knew it."But then…" Starfire whispered.
She can't be lying, she's not a psycho. She wouldn't go this far…would she?
She stared at the screen again. "But then…who is
that!?"Raven placed her hands on her hips. "How should
I
know? Probably Rouge."There was absolute silence for a few seconds while the original Titans felt like complete idiots."Why didn't I think of her?" Nightwing whispered to himself. Yes, they thought she was dead, but they couldn't know for sure. He
should
have thought of her.
Am I getting dumber!?Garfield grunted. "You?
I
should have thought of her. I fought the Brotherhood of Evil longer than any of you.""You were both too involved to think straight. I'm the one who should have thought of her." Cyborg frowned apologetically.Raven was still mostly annoyed. "Honestly, I find it absolutely outrageous that any of you thought that was
me
and-ugh!" She grunted when Starfire enveloped her in one of her crushing embraces. "Are you still trying to kill me?"Kory let go of her and the empath inhaled sharply to catch her breath. The alien princess was extremely relieved now that she'd decided she definitely believed her. As soon as Raven was free, Krypto tackled her to the floor and happily licked her face.The sorcerer wrinkled her nose and gently pushed him off her. "I missed you too, Krypto.""So…wait. So, I…" Richard frowned."You kissed
Rouge,
man." Cyborg said, clearly trying to hold back laughter."Who's Rouge?" Ravager asked, watching Dick grimace and shiver at the realization."This evil lady who can transform into anyone. She's the
worst." Victor said intently."And it didn't occur to any of you that might be her?" Superboy asked, pointing at the TV."Actually, can we turn that off? It's making me sick." Raven said grumpily, still on the floor where Krypto continued trying to lick her."Definitely." Nightwing nodded."Yes, please." The Changeling agreed emphatically, though he wasn't watching anymore. He was too busy practically beaming at Raven."I
never
want to see that again." Starfire said as Cyborg turned it off.Raven slowly stood up and wiped her new uniform and her face. "Anyway, I'll find out who else is involved and why.""You don't have to. I'll do that. I'm sorry." Richard said, feeling rather embarrassed about the whole thing."I want to. Whoever used me to get to you behind my back will
pay." The empath's eyes became dark and wicked. "Besides, I can break the law, so my methods are faster."Rose chuckled and folded her arms. "You know what? I was right. The villain thing suits you."Raven smirked. "Supervillain.""I knew it wasn't you." Garfield whispered, still smiling at her.She turned her head and narrowed her eyes at him. "No, you didn't.""No, he really did." Kory said quickly. "He said you wouldn't do that, I was the one who convinced him. I'm sorry; I should have known you'd never betray me like that."Raven's expression softened and she gave Starfire a quick smile then looked at the Changeling again to see him coyly scratching the back of his neck. It made her stomach flutter a bit."I'm sorry too; I should have trusted my gut." Garfield told her.The empath suppressed a smile. "Thank you."The shapeshifter beamed at her.
If I can't get her back, I'll hold on to these small moments until I find a way to make things right.Raven cleared her throat. "Well, anyway, you're not capturing me today if that's what you all think. So, I'll be leaving now.""Wait, can I talk to you first?" Nightwing asked awkwardly."Sure." The empath nodded. She did want to talk to him. She needed to know how the content of that video even happened.The Changeling reluctantly didn't follow after them when she went up to the roof with Dick. Instead, he went to the kitchen with Starfire. The two of them had barely eaten in the past two days. She was still aching, of course. Dick did kiss someone else. Someone he
thought
was her best friend at the time. So Kory was still very heartbroken. Still, he could tell she felt a little lighter and could use a snack."I'm sorry too. I don't even know what to say." Nightwing started.Raven furrowed her brows. "What happened? Were you high or something?"He chuckled sadly. "No…Kor and I had a fight. She thought I kissed Babs and she said some things and…well, I was heartbroken.""Did you? Kiss Babs?""Of course not." Richard said in a defensive tone."Well, I'm sorry. I'm not sure I understand your standards at the moment, so I thought I'd ask."Dick shook his head. "No, you're right. I
was
confused. But I didn't kiss her. Anyway, you…well, not you. But, you know…that
you…comforted me and started saying some stuff and it confused me even more. I did stop it, but…it was too late. I'm really sorry."Raven nodded slowly. "Well, I forgive you. But you may have lost her for good."Nightwing smiled miserably.
At least ONE person forgives me in this mess.
"I know."The empath tilted her head to the side. "I hope you haven't.""Me too."And just like that, she vanished and he went back downstairs, accidentally overhearing the conversation happening in the kitchen."And it's basically all my fault." Garfield whispered."How is
this
your fault?" Kory asked softly."I don't think any of this would have happened if Rae was here. Or…you know, if she was in some higher realm guiding everyone. Everything
sucks
since I hurt her. I'm so sorry, Kor."Nightwing couldn't help but partially agree with him."I admit I've been blaming you for losing her, BB. But I don't blame you for this. None of that should matter. He still shouldn't have done it." Starfire said pointedly.Ouch. She's right. Richard cleared his throat to announce himself and turned the corner to face them. "Star…""No, don't." Kory cut him off intently, standing up. "I'm relieved my best friend didn't betray me, but don't mistake it for happiness." Her voice became more vulnerable and she fought back tears again. "You
still betrayed me.
We
are still over."Of course we are. Nightwing nodded and said nothing else, because if he opened his mouth he would break down entirely, so he just swallowed his tears as she walked past him. When Garfield stood up to leave as well, Dick whispered. "Do you hate me too?"The shapeshifter stopped and hesitated. He didn't really want to talk about it yet, because he knew he would get emotional, but he couldn't help it. "I mean, I know losing her was entirely my own fault. It's just…you know how much I still love her, don't you? And I know you're mad at me and with good reason, but…I guess I thought deep down you were still my friend."The Changeling left hurriedly and Nightwing stood there in silence for several seconds.
Well, Dick. You officially suck.

Against All Odds (Phil Collins)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Garfield liked Siren Raven as much as any other Raven. He liked her wicked smirk, her sexy strut, the mischievous glint in her eyes. On the other hand, it all still made him feel terribly guilty, because he was fully aware she could be happy and free instead of struggling as much as she was. Therapy had really helped him understand what his actions had cost her and his hopes of being forgiven were basically gone. He was helping Damian try to find a way to help her, but it seemed hopeless so far.So, he decided to live with what he did the best way he could. He connected with The Red more often to understand how his powers worked. He didn't need to look up new species in books anymore; he could just find them in The Red, even if he'd never seen them before. And his control was better than ever, so he started practicing changing isolated parts of his body. He also found out Conner or anyone else's teasing didn't bother him as much. Garfield would even go as far as saying he genuinely liked himself now. If only he could have been this version of him sooner – he definitely regretted not being this version for
her.But even though he had accepted his guilt wouldn't go away and he'd made a mistake he couldn't fix, denying how she made him feel was pointless, so he embraced the fact that he craved Siren Raven really badly. Wherever the Sirens went, the Titans were there trying to ruin their plans and he was always so excited about it, because he got to see her.They didn't usually succeed in frustrating the villains, because they had completely overtaken the outlaw world and Raven would bend the minds and hearts of any cop, lawyer or judge that dared try to put one of her allies in jail. Anyone who crossed her ended up there or worse, though. So there wasn't much of a point capturing anyone else while she was loose. Still, the Titans kept them from getting too out of hand. The Justice League was growing impatient to get the situation handled, but Superman's possession had made everyone nervous. They knew that as bad as it was, if she got angrier, it could be
much
worse.Garfield always tried to confront her whenever he could, mostly because he was lusting after her. She usually got the best of him. Now that her values weren't keeping her from using certain powers anymore, she was nearly impossible to beat. And she could still control his shapeshifting – though it seemed for some reason that was becoming gradually more difficult.But sometimes the Titans managed to keep her busy and tired enough to frustrate the Sirens' plans, and then the Changeling always made sure he was there, because he got to tease her a bit. She showed up in his dreams too. Like on this particular morning. He woke up sweaty, after dreaming of Siren Raven tied to a chair, smirking sensually and asking him what he was going to do with her. The shapeshifter took a cold shower before heading out for breakfast."Morning." Garfield greeted the Titans who were already up – meaning Nightwing, Robin and Bumblebee."Morning. You've been waking up earlier." Richard pointed out approvingly.Garfield shot him a broken smile. Nightwing
had
given him a half-hearted apology for the whole Rouge-Raven incident, and he'd accepted it because he didn't have it in him to be angry or resentful anymore. He knew Dick had been mad at him since she left and he probably didn't think of him at all when he thought he was kissing her, and that still hurt, but mostly he just wanted to go back to normal and it hurt a lot less now that he knew it didn't
actually
happen. Also, if it really
was
Rouge, the shapeshifter knew how manipulative she could be. And ultimately, he couldn't be
that
mad at Dick for making a huge mistake when he'd made huge mistakes too. So Nightwing had gone back to being his leader as usual – but their friendship was definitely shaken."So we were just talking about who could maybe help us catch Rae." Karen said. "What about Zatanna? She's a powerful sorcerer."The Changeling frowned. "So is Klarion and he still needed Satan's help.""That's what
I
said." Damian stated pointedly."But she must be tired, right? Doesn't she have to keep manipulating all those slaves like, all the time?" Bumblebee asked."Nope." Garfield shook his head and drank some juice. "She explained it to me once. She can alter stuff permanently. Not like, entire personalities, but…yeah she could make someone loyal to them. She doesn't need to do it continuously."Karen sighed. "Right, well…then, who else could help? You know…other than Satan.""Trigon. Or Raven." The Changeling shrugged, eating some tofu.Bumblebee rolled her eyes. "That's not very helpful.""He's right, though." Nightwing grumbled."Maybe Darkseid could help. Give him a call." Damian smiled slightly, sipping his coffee.Richard and Garfield chuckled softly."Oh I know, let's free Eclipso and ask
him
for help. I'm sure he resents her." The shapeshifter joked, getting more laughter out of the other two boys."Very funny." Karen rolled her eyes again, chuckling along with them. "You guys are useless.""I mean, I want to get her home too, trust me." The Changeling said sincerely. "It's just that…anyone who could contain Raven is like, way worse than Raven. You know?""Exactly." Robin nodded. "Besides, she's not that bad.""Yeah, I think we can work with this version." Nightwing agreed."You three are delusional softies, you know that?" Bumblebee smiled fondly at them. "What's your plan, then?""I think we need to accept this is the best she can do now." Damian said plainly."I agree." Richard nodded, eating a waffle. "We'll keep stopping them whenever we can, but I don't want to bother her further unless we have something to offer. Have you two found a way to help her, by the way?""Sorry. Ascending opportunities for demon halfbreeds don't turn up on every corner…" Robin frowned. "And I don't know who could save her soul if God's Mercy can't."Garfield looked down, suddenly feeling sad and ashamed. It had been easy to tell himself he would find another way, but now that he was actively trying, he understood what a rare chance that had been.
I ruined her life. She can't even have a nightmare without shutting down a huge part of her. How did I not see how hard everything was for her?
"I'm so sorry, Damian."Everyone frowned at him in confusion."Why?" Robin narrowed his eyes at the shapeshifter."I just…you went through all this trouble and you got her a way out and it was amazing, you know? What you did. It was really nice. It meant
everything
to her. And I went and blew it. There was a point I even resented you. I'm really sorry."Their expressions softened significantly, because every word that came out of his mouth was dripping with sincerity.Damian smiled sadly. "Yeah, don't worry. We're cool."Starfire and Superboy came in, looking flushed and flirty. This had been going on too. After Dick's screw-up, it didn't take long for Conner's advances to pay off. Neither one of them wanted to make a big deal out of it and turn it into a relationship, but Kory and Conner had been making out here and there. Superboy told Nightwing it was simply not in his nature to pass on an opportunity like this, and Richard knew it was his own fault, so he decided to suffer in silence. At least they weren't dating.Still, when they came in like this it made his heart sink and his stomach twirl. Dick also still found it extremely hard to play the leader role whenever it involved her, not only because he felt too guilty to give her orders at all, but because she would barely look at him. Cyborg came in next, kissed Karen's cheek and then went to make some bacon. Ravager was next and she silently walked over to the seat next to Damian, who instinctively and discreetly pulled the chair for her."So, what were you discussing?" Victor asked, putting an arm around his girlfriend's shoulders.Bumblebee smiled up at him. "Just that these three want to give up on trying to come up with a way to contain Rae at all. I guess she'll just be a recurring villain for us to fight now.""Really? Oh, good." Starfire smiled. She hated the whole capture-Raven-to-turn-Raven idea anyway. She knew all it would do would be angering her."You meant
supervillain." Superboy pointed out, earning light-hearted chuckles from everyone else.Rose nodded, taking a bite of the bacon. "Yeah, I'm fine with that. At least she's keeping things interesting. And we can team up with them whenever there's a big bad around.""That's a good point." Cyborg pondered. "It's not like we've ever been perfect."Karen shook her head and smiled. "Fine. But what do we tell the Justice League?""We can tell them we don't need to report to them." Conner shrugged smugly. "Honestly, I'm sure they've considered several plans too and if they knew how to stop her, they would have by now. They won't do shit."Nightwing nodded. "I actually think you're right.""So since
that's
settled, can we start decorating the tower for Christmas?" Cyborg grinned.Damian realized Rose had frozen and frowned and he whispered to her while everyone else chatted loudly about their plans. "Have you ever done Christmas?""Only as a kid." Ravager whispered back to him. "Am I supposed to get gifts and stuff?"Robin chuckled softly. "You don't have to, but you'll definitely receive them.""Great." She said sarcastically. "What else?""Just prepare for corny soppy shit." He told her. "But the food is great. You'll like it."Rose rolled her eyes and pretended to be annoyed by the idea, though she was secretly considerably curious.
Maybe
even excited. "If you say so."When Christmas' Eve came around, the tower was beautifully decorated. They watched Christmas movies and Rose and Damian made fun of the tacky romances in them together. Starfire and Superboy got a little flirty and Nightwing covered up his heartache. Cyborg and Bumblebee made googly eyes at each other the whole time.Garfield didn't watch any movies. He stayed in his room making a particular drawing and listening to
Against All Odds. The more he worked on his insecurities and the more he remembered their relationship, the more he realized how much she'd loved him. And then he realized his pain probably wounded her, so he decided to spare her. Whenever they met he would be charming and cute, but he wouldn't cry and he would try not to hurt. He did that in his own time now, so it didn't rub off on her."Hey, BB!" Victor said happily when the shapeshifter finally left his room around dinner time."Good to see you, Gar." Starfire smiled at him.The Changeling beamed at them. He'd done enough suffering for the day. "I wouldn't miss dinner."Garfield enjoyed the meal with his friends and even shared a laughter or two with Nightwing, but he missed Raven's vegan Christmas cookies.Later, he pulled Starfire aside. "Hey, Kor. Can I talk to you?""Yeah, of course.""What's with this Conner thing? Is it serious or is it just payback?"The Tamaranean frowned. "I…I don't know. It's not serious…but it's not just payback. It's fun. I guess it's kind of like a…""A distraction?" The shapeshifter gave her a knowing smile.Starfire chuckled softly. "You would know, huh?""Yeah, and I'm totally not judging. But…distractions don't really work in the long term, trust me. You'll still have to deal with your feelings for Dick…"Kory grimaced and whispered. "I…I don't know how to do that…""I know. But I just wanted to tell you that when you're ready…I know I'm no replacement for Rae, but…you can talk to me about it if you want. In your own time."Starfire watched him intently for a few seconds and chuckled."What?"The Tamaranean smiled. "Nothing, it's just…she would be proud of you."That brought a slightly sad smile to his lips. "I hope so."The next morning, as they were opening their presents, they realized it was a bittersweet Christmas. It was sweet and friendly, but there was a huge part of them missing. And then Nightwing's communicator rang."Hi, Dick."Everyone jumped a little, because it was her voice. Richard quickly glanced at it, but he couldn't see her face."Raven!? How did you…""I still have my old communicator." The empath said blankly. "Anyway, it
was
Rouge you kissed that night. And I know who she's working with."Nightwing frowned and all his muscles tensed up at the mention of Madame Rouge. Starfire's eyes widened – along with everyone else's."Who!?" Cyborg yelled into the communicator, since Richard seemed to have frozen."Lex Luthor." Raven answered. "He was here kissing ass while she was there kissing Dick. But he's behind the whole thing. I think the point was to get you to fight amongst you and to get you to fight with me too."Nightwing's brain started functioning again. "Oh, shit. Do you know why?""I think he wants Garfield."The Titan leader frowned at the shapeshifter, who shrank and grimaced."He kept talking about experimenting with his DNA when we had him in the tower." Raven explained. "I don't think he gave up on that."Garfield turned a very pale shade of green."Don't worry." Nightwing gave him a reassuring look. "We won't let him get you.""Yeah, man, not gonna happen!" Cyborg ruffled his best friend's hair before shouting at the communicator. "And thanks, Rae! We'll take care of him!""Yes, thank you." Dick spoke to her again."Sure. Also, they don't know we know. Let's keep it that way, yes?""Absolutely." Richard agreed. "This is really helpful, Raven. Seriously.""I know. Merry Christmas." The sorcerer said in a softer voice.Nightwing smiled. "Merry Christmas, Rae."And then he passed the communicator to Starfire, who was already eagerly reaching for it."Rae?" Kory asked."Hey, Kor.""Merry Christmas. We miss you."There were a few seconds of silence before the empath spoke again. "…yes, well, there's no need to make this overly sentimental. Merry Christmas and everything."She hung up immediately and Beast Boy and Starfire shared a look, because they could both detect the subtle emotion in her voice.On New Year's Eve, it was Batman's turn to call them."We have a bit of a situation, Titans." Bruce stated."Dad, can you not stall for once?" Damian said impatiently. "It's New Year's Eve, we have places to go."Batman sighed. "Cancel your plans. Your girl stole the book back."Richard frowned. "The book? You don't mean the magical book that summons the dead, do you? The one we sent to you for safekeeping?""…yes, that book."There were several frustrated sighs and grumbles across the ops room."Seriously? I thought it answered to Zatanna now." Nightwing said."It did, but she was injured in a fight and I guess your girl gets privileged information because she took the chance to sneak in and claim it back."Richard sighed and rubbed his temples. "Awesome.""Listen, the rest of the Justice League is busy with something, but I'll help. I know the other Sirens. Besides, even if Raven possesses me, I can't do as much damage as Clark.""Right. Well, she
probably
won't possess you." Damian said."Very reassuring.""When can you get here?" Richard asked."I'm here.""He really
is
here." Cyborg said in awe, watching the cameras. "Like, he literally
just
got here as he said that. Did he time this in advance or something?"Nightwing and Robin spoke in unison. "Probably."Once Batman joined them, they began strategizing."So, breaking into Siren Mansion is nearly impossible at this point." Superboy pointed out."I agree." Richard nodded. "We'll create a diversion and draw them out, then a few of us can go in and look for the book.""How about this factory?" Bumblebee pointed at a particular building on the map. "We could attack it, it's under their control.""Good." Nightwing agreed. "Rose and Damian, you get the book. Take Krypto with you.""Try stealing the sex crystal while you're at it." Conner smirked.Richard hesitated. He didn't really want to go along with that. "I mean…"Bruce's face distorted in confusion. "The
what
now?""It's a magical thingy that can block her powers." Kory explained. "But only if she does it to herself." She quickly added when she noticed Batman seemed interested. She didn't really want to steal it either."And why is it called the se-
oh." Bruce Wayne's eyes widened as he uncomfortably realized the answer to his question. It was way more information than he needed or wanted."We can't steal that." Garfield said pointedly.Batman frowned. "Listen…""No, she
needs
that." The Changeling insisted. "I…look, when we teamed up she told me she had been having nightmares since the Joker and for all we know, she's still having them. Without that crystal, her powers would get out of hand. No one wants
that."Nightwing smiled slightly at him, feeling extremely relieved. "No, no one does. So, that's out of the question.""May I ask why you didn't attempt stealing this
before
she healed the Joker?" Batman raised an eyebrow.Richard sighed. "We thought about it, Bruce. But honestly, it seemed too dangerous. It's probably in her room and
that's
probably cursed or something." He looked at Damian and Rose. "I'm hoping the book isn't there, actually.""Don't worry." Damian smirked. "If we get stuck in Doomsday's room, at least she won't be as annoyed as if any of you did."Rose chuckled. "True."Ravager, Robin and Krypto did their best to get in undetected, dodging and avoiding the many threats and traps of Siren Mansion – not to mention the many allies and slaves that stayed behind to guard it. They were stealthy, but it wasn't an easy task, so Damian let his father and brother know it would take a while.In the mean time, the Titans battled the Sirens. Raven had been busy keeping Superboy from completely destroying the drug factory and most people were engaged in some personal confrontation, which is why when Poison Ivy kissed Batman, no one saw it until it was too late. And then all they saw was him convulsing on the floor.Nightwing ran to his father, shooting the redhead a furious glare. "What did you
do!?"Ivy shrugged innocently. "I just gave him a peck.""Is this going to
kill
him?" Richard hissed, fighting back tears.Pamela smiled wickedly. "It might be a slightly deadly poison, yes.""Tell Damian…tell him…" Bruce panted, holding Dick's hand.And then desperate tears rolled down Nightwing's cheeks.
Fuck. No. Please.
"I know, I will."Starfire had already flown to Raven and Conner, getting between them and pointing towards where Richard was kneeling next to an unconscious, growingly paler Batman. "STOP! LOOK!"Raven's eyes widened slightly, but she also noticed Damian and Rose were nowhere to be seen. Neither was Krypto. She teleported to Ivy's side and glared at her. "What did you do?"Selina clearly wasn't okay with it either. The empath sensed worry and heartache emanating from her, but she didn't say anything.Pamela rolled her eyes. "What!? I didn't touch your precious Titans! You never said anything about not killing the
Justice League!"Raven frowned at the sound of Harley's hysterical laughter. "Well, you're wasting time. This is a trap. They're not all here. They're probably invading the mansion to get the book back. Go back and help Klarion."The sorcerer opened a portal and the Sirens walked through it. Superboy swiftly flew in too to help the others now that their cover was blown. Raven took one step towards the portal and stopped, feeling the grief that was pouring out of Nightwing. She turned around to look at them. Richard meant a lot to her. And he was hurting deeply. She thought about Damian. He also meant a lot to her. She knew what this would do to him. The fact that he wouldn't even get to say goodbye would destroy him. That was their father on the floor. She closed her portal.Well, fuck."Get out of my way." Raven said intently, decisively pushing anyone in her path and walking towards Batman, stretching her arms out. Her eyes glowed scarlet red. "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos."Garfield watched in awe as her body floated into the air and her short hair flew around in the wind. Richard looked up too, though with a much more hopeless expression on his face. Ivy's venom spread quickly and it had infected most of Bruce's body at this point – saving him seemed impossible. Starfire also watched intently, because no matter what Dick had done, her heart was absolutely
shattered
seeing him this hurt.Raven focused. She focused on anything that did not belong in his blood stream.
That strange, toxic substance. That's it. It was all over his body already. She frowned as she carefully worked on isolating its' energy so she could manipulate it. And then she made small, delicate finger movements, slowly pulling it away from his organs and steering it through his blood vessels and back into his digestive system.
Okay, easy now. Careful.It was much harder than fixing Damian's spine. It was nearly as difficult as bringing Garfield back to life, except she had white magic on her side when she did
that
– so in a way, this was even harder. She knew she was sweating and holding her breath because she was in pain, but she wasn't done yet. The empath made another hand gesture to pull all the poison out of his body and the minuscule particles would have been invisible to everyone else if they hadn't been glowing with magical energy when they emerged from Bruce's parted lips.Batman inhaled sharply and opened his eyes at the same time Raven collapsed hard on the floor, panting and grabbing her head. The Changeling and Starfire tried to approach her, but a few of the Sirens' servants had stayed behind with their mistress and they immediately surrounded her. She wasn't sure if the Titans would try to capture her or not, though she could sense their intentions weren't hostile.
Don't pass out. Not now, not here. The sorcerer steadied herself and stood up.Nightwing was hugging a baffled Batman with tears in his eyes. He looked up at her with utter gratitude. "That was
incredible. Thank you."Bruce Wayne frowned in confusion and followed his son's gaze towards her. Then his eyes widened.
Wait, did SHE do this?Raven huffed. "It was
difficult,
is what it was. So Batman, next time maybe don't kiss her? Now if you all excuse me, I'll go frustrate your little trap."She gathered all the strength she had left to leave with her minions through one last portal. Garfield immediately turned into a falcon and flew to Siren Mansion, holding the sheet of paper he'd brought with him between his claws. Starfire and Bumblebee flew after him. The others knew they wouldn't get there in time, so they told Batman what happened while Nightwing hurriedly called Damian.Robin had just grabbed the book from Raven's throne and tossed it to Superboy, who was planning to grab it and fly away with it, when the ancient artefact was encased in dark energy and stopped midair before it could reach Conner's hands. Then it flew to its current rightful owner's hands. She grabbed it and smirked."Uh…Nightwing? She's here. It didn't work." Damian spoke into his communicator."Okay then just get out of there, all of you." Richard answered urgently."But what about th-""Just
leave it,
Robin!" Dick practically shouted. The truth was he knew Raven couldn't protect
all
of them from
all
her allies at the moment. The HIVE, the other Sirens and the other villains wouldn't hold back from attacking his brother and his friends and she had spent too much energy on Batman to stop them all.It wasn't an easy escape, but Starfire and Bumblebee got there in time to help them. The Changeling remained unnoticed and he debated with himself about whether to leave with them or not. He looked at Raven. She was comfortably seated on a throne, with her legs crossed and the necromancy book on her lap. Her face was serious and full of confidence as she watched everything that happened around them.Garfield turned human, hiding and folding the piece of paper he brought with him, slipping it back into his uniform. He smiled absentmindedly at the sight of Raven sitting on a hardcore-looking throne.
She's so fucking legendary. What did she ever see in me?
He didn't fail to notice that in all her glory, her breathing was heavy as her chest rose and fell.
She's tired. Of course she's tired. She just fought Superboy then pulled poison out of Bruce Wayne's body. The shapeshifter thought about turning into a dragon, but he didn't want to call her out, he wanted an intimate confrontation. He wanted to get her alone.Raven was absolutely drained, so as soon as the Titans escaped she headed upstairs with her book, hoping to get some rest in her room. Her allies stayed downstairs to party, naturally – though Selina mostly planned to get drunk and attempt to forget about the fact that Batman was probably dead. When the empath stepped into a particularly secluded corridor on her way, she finally sensed him, and it was nearly too late to dodge his attack. She cursed internally when she realized the Changeling was looking rested and eager and this would be a
very
uneven match. They sparred with no powers for a while, because she didn't have a lot of power left and he wanted to make the whole thing last for as long as he could. The music downstairs was too loud for anyone to hear them. It
was
New Year's Eve, after all.Raven noticed he was smiling smugly and grunted.
He's not even shapeshifting. He's just messing with me.
"You're very obnoxious, you know that?"Garfield beamed at her. "Yep!"It got a bit heated when
Animals (Maroon 5)
started playing loudly from the party in the entrance hall. They slammed each other on the walls, grabbed onto each other's legs, pinned each other to the floor and they fully enjoyed it. Raven took a little longer to get into it, being initially too annoyed to feel anything else, but then his body was pressing against hers and it felt kind of nice. And then they were basically battling for dominance and it reminded her of…well, sex. It was rather thrilling and the truth was she did miss him painfully. After a while, she couldn't tell her anger from her arousal anymore.And then the Changeling managed to twist her arms behind her back and hold them both there securely with one hand. Not a human hand – a hand that belonged to something
much
bigger and stronger. It wrapped around both her arms easily so that her hands were now touching her opposite elbows. He smiled and pulled her closer. The sorcerer turned her head to see what he'd changed into and she frowned in surprise and confusion when she realized he was still human. She was absolutely sure that was
not
his human hand around her arms behind her back, but that was
definitely
his smug human grin staring back at her.
Never mind that now. Let's get out of this situation, please."Azarath Metrion Z-Mmph!" Raven grunted in frustration against his other – and still human – hand when he covered her mouth. She closed her eyes to focus.Doing magic without her mantra was absolutely possible and she did it all the time, but it was just slightly more challenging – especially when she was this tired.
Well, you'll just have to manage because this is embarrassing. She tried to, she really did, but he was so close and his warmth was a little overwhelming – not to mention she could sense he was extremely turned on, and if she was being completely honest, so was she.
What the fuck is wrong with me?
Then suddenly her eyes widened because a long, green tail wrapped itself around the ancient book lying on the floor next to them. She was mostly intrigued at this point."I'll be taking
that,
thank you." The Changeling said happily, bringing the book to his side. "By the way, I made you something on Christmas. Here." He whispered in a much sweeter voice as his tail now slipped a sheet of paper between her armor and her belt.The empath shivered at the sensation when it brushed against her stomach. And then her heart accelerated at his flirtatious tone.Garfield was aware he was fully taking advantage of the fact she'd spent so much energy healing Batman earlier and he almost felt bad about it, but stopping her was still the best way to protect her at the moment, and flirting with her like this was just too tempting to resist. Besides, he could tell she was blushing because he felt her cheeks warm up in his hand.
She's so fucking sexy. I wish I could kiss her. But I can't. I can never kiss her again. I can tease her a little, though. I think she likes that. Why didn't she free herself yet? Is she THAT drained?He leaned closer to whisper playfully in her ear. "You once told me you can't think straight when I touch you, is that what's going on here?"Well
that
made her heart skip a beat and gave her butterflies.
Okay, that's quite enough of this. Raven gathered her strength and phased through him. She turned around and glared daggers at his blissful face at first, but then she saw his giant hand and tail again and stared quizzically at them with that intrigued frown on her face.
He's changing isolated parts. I KNEW he could do that. "When did you learn that?"The Changeling smiled proudly at her.
Good, she's not mad at me. "The Red!"The empath raised an eyebrow and folded her arms. "The what?"Garfield was practically beaming. "It's the source of my powers. It's the force that connects
all
animal life form in the Multiverse! I've been accessing it freely and it's
awesome."She had to fight back a smile and tell her heart to stop fluttering. "I see."The shapeshifter stared at his giant alien hand. "Yeah and I can like, only change my eyes so that I can see in the dark and stuff like that. I mean, it's not easy, but…" He glanced at her and nervously realized she looked stoic as ever. He still really wanted her to be impressed. "…it's kind of cool, isn't it?"It's amazing. YOU'RE amazing. I'm SO fucking proud of you. She smirked. "Kind of. Good for you."The Changeling shot her a toothy grin. "Well, I'd
love
to stay,
really
I would, but I need to take this book before you recharge or your friends come up here."Raven rolled her eyes. She was still exhausted and would need hours of sleep. There was no way she was engaging against him again any time soon. "Yes, fine. Take it. You won." When his grin got all smug and greedy, she huffed. "Don't be such a creep about it.""Sorry, I don't win that often. I need to relish in it!" He said breezily as he headed to a window.The sorcerer smirked and folded her arms again. "I'll get you next time, you know?"Garfield looked over his shoulder to smile cheekily at her from the window. "Oh, I'm counting on it. Happy New Year, Siren.""Happy New Year, Titan."And then he winked at her and turned into an eagle, flying away and carrying the book with him. Raven told her bruised heart to stop trying to heal without her permission and went downstairs to tell the others the Changeling had sneaked in and taken the artefact back."You're fucking kidding me." Poison Ivy snarled."I'm not. That dork can just tell when I'm tired." Raven said stoically.Klarion felt insanely jealous, because he thought maybe she looked a little flustered."Why
are
you so tired?" Catwoman asked in a slurred speech, having her tenth drink."I saved Batman." Raven put a hand in the air as soon as the protests began. At least Selina was relieved. As in,
extremely
relieved. "I told you. I
will
do whatever the fuck I want.""You know, I love you, but sometimes you
suck!" Harley grumbled."How did you even do that?" Pamela narrowed her eyes.Raven just raised an arrogant eyebrow."Leave her alone." Selina told them. "You had no right anyway. I did
not
agree to killing him.""Ugh, fine." Poison Ivy rolled her eyes and turned to the empath again. "And the shapeshifter didn't try to take
you?""No, there's no point. How would they control me after I recharge?" Raven shrugged. "He just took the book. I'll get it back when I can.""What's
that?" Harley suddenly pointed at a piece of paper showing out of the sorcerer's belt.Raven looked down and frowned.
Oh, right. I forgot about that. She had no idea what this so called Christmas present could possibly be, so she curiously unfolded it at once. Her eyes only widened for a second, but her heart was fluttering again and her cheeks turned pink because it was another drawing of her. Of
this
version of her. It was her in her Siren uniform, with scarlet-red irises, a smirk on her lips and a mischievous glint in her eyes. And it was as flattering and beautiful as any other sketch he'd ever made of her."What is it!?" Harley Quinn snatched the sheet of paper out of her hands and ran to Ivy's side, giggling wildly. Selina and Klarion quickly crowded around them.The drawing became encased in dark energy before it was back in Raven's hand. She was fast, but they'd already glanced at it."Someone
still has a crush on yooou." Harley chanted."And
someone
likes flirting with the enemy." Catwoman smiled knowingly. "Don't you?""He
gave you that?" Klarion hissed.
She's fucking blushing. I'll. Kill. Him.Raven could sense the girls were just amused, but the warlock was fuming. She shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't see how it's any of your businesses."Ivy folded her arms. "Did you at least put up a fight when he took the book?"The empath gasped. "That's insulting. Of course I did."
Well, I probably could have done a little better, but he would still win, so let's call it strategic energy saving."It
is
my business.
You're
my business." The Witch Boy said through gritted teeth.Raven frowned and dismissed him with a hand wave. "No, it's not. You're not my boyfriend, Klarion. Don't annoy me or I'll kiss someone else at midnight."The Sirens chuckled and he grumbled something under his breath, but left it alone, because he did really want to kiss her at midnight. The sorcerer went up to her room to admire her new gift and put it away with the sketch book then get a few hours of sleep before New Year.Meanwhile in Titan Tower, there was an outburst of relief and loud cheers when the green eagle flew in with the magical book."Holy shit,
man! We thought you were captured or worse!" Cyborg pulled Garfield into a hug and ruffled his hair as soon as he turned human again."How did you…" Nightwing asked in awe as he picked up the magical book from the floor.He's impressed. Finally. The shapeshifter grinned widely. "I just hid and then I got Rae alone. She was drained from uh…you know…""Pulling venom out of my dying body?" Bruce Wayne asked pointedly."Yeah, that." Garfield chuckled and realized it all sounded a lot less impressive when he explained it like that, so he sheepishly cleared his throat. "Actually, it was kind of a low blow, but hey, I got the book back!"Damian raised an eyebrow. "Is she mad at you?""Amazingly enough,
not really!" The Changeling said cheerfully.Superboy rolled his eyes. "See? I told you all she can do anything,
except
get over Beast Boy."Starfire hugged him tightly and he changed into a gorilla in her arms so she wouldn't crush him. The Tamaranean giggled. "I am
so
glad you are okay, friend!"Garfield turned human again and smiled easily. "Thanks, Kor. And I hope you're right, Conner. I'm not over her either.""Oh, we know." Bumblebee chuckled casually from the kitchen counter."Yes, everyone knows that." Cyborg laughed and ruffled his friend's hair again. "There's not a single person that knows you who isn't aware of that."Conner nodded. "Yeah, I never meant to insinuate that you were.""Actually, could you change the depressive song I have to listen to passing by your room every day?" Damian smirked. "Just switch it up a bit.""Yeah, actually, I'd appreciate that." Superboy agreed. "I have super-hearing, man. Seriously.""This is good, BB." Nightwing gestured to the book in his hands, completely ignoring everyone else. "Good job. I'll send this to Jinx until Zatanna heals."The Changeling was flushed at this point, but he still shot Dick a grateful, quick smile before turning to his friends again. "Ah, yes…well, yeah! I'll
never
be over her, so get used to it." He stated unapologetically before glancing at Batman. "Also, I'm letting you know right now, if there are any future endeavors from the Justice League that involve hurting her in any way, I'm going to protect her.""Me too." Nightwing and Robin said in unison. Damian made a mental note to thank Raven for saving Bruce whenever he got a chance.Starfire was just beaming at the Changeling's words.Batman nodded. "Well, I owe her my life." When they all smiled at him, he turned to a very relieved Richard. "You can count on me."It was all fun and games after that, because it
was
New Year's Eve. At midnight, Cyborg and Bumblebee kissed sweetly and Superboy pulled Starfire close – they ended up kissing, but she stopped it after a few short seconds because kissing him in front of everyone felt too much like a relationship. It was enough to shatter Richard's heart, though. Damian was sitting on the couch watching a drunken Rose dance around and Garfield was just about to approach him and tease him for it when the shapeshifter saw Richard pitifully staring at Kory."She doesn't love him, you know..." A drunken Beast Boy told Nightwing as he sat next to him.An equally drunken Richard frowned. "Are you sure?""Well, I…" Garfield chuckled sadly. "No,
I'm
not an empath."Dick chuckled along with him. "We really fucked up this year, huh?""Oh, yes. Terribly." The Changeling gestured around theatrically. "I mean, can you
believe
how lucky we were? And now look at us."Nightwing's laughter got even sadder. "We deserve it.""Yes, we do." Garfield nodded, laughing miserably too. "But maybe
you
can still fix your thing. I really don't think she loves him."Dick huffed. "I don't know how to fix it. Kory isn't the forgiving type.""You need to grovel." The Changeling said groggily. "Unless you're too proud, then you might as well give up. You gotta choose between love and pride.""Very wise." Richard rolled his eyes. He wasn't sure they would go back to being friends like they used to in the morning, but at least for now he was enjoying this friendly, drunken and miserable conversation.Garfield suddenly fell silent for several seconds and when he spoke again, it was just a whisper. "Rae chose love, you know? And she was like,
born
to be Pride. I wish I'd known how much that meant when it mattered."Nightwing noticed the Changeling's eyes were watery. "Yeah, I know.""I know you know. You warned me. You told me to deserve her and you said I needed to trust her and not hold on too tight. Did you really know I'd break her heart?"Richard grimaced. "I worried about it. I thought you weren't ready. And she was just so stupidly in love with you."Garfield bit his lip to fight back a sob and nodded slowly. "I see that now.""You do?""Yeah. I miss her love so much. You were right, I wasn't ready for it, but it was so blissful. She loved me so wonderfully."
I'll miss her love forever. That's my punishment."Maybe you can still get her back. If she wasn't mad at you today…she
could
still love you."The Changeling chuckled sadly again. "Would you forgive someone who cut your legs off to keep you close?"Nightwing looked at him in surprise, with wide eyes. It was the first time he thought the shapeshifter seemed to truly understand the gravity of what he did. "No.""Yeah, exactly." Garfield shook his shoulders and cleared his throat. "But anyway,
you
could fix things. Maybe. If you get over your pride."Richard poured them both another drink while he let the Changeling's words sink in. "You know what the saddest part is? I had been so confused with Babs here, but as soon as Star dumped me for good, there was no more confusion. It's Kory. It'll always be Kory." He sighed. "Why couldn't we just have all these important epiphanies
before
we lost them?""Tell me about it."

Wherever I Go (OneRepublic)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Changeling was on his knees with his arms pinned to his sides, immobilized by dark energy while she strutted around, casually collecting magical items. Raven decided if she couldn't get the book to summon the dead, she wanted everything else this man had ever collected. She wanted more power. She needed more power. She needed to feel safe. This brokenhearted version of her certainly wasn't White Raven; she was much more unstable and unfocused. So she would get her hands on as many magical artefacts to enhance her skills as she possibly could.Garfield tried to shapeshift, but she didn't let him. He couldn't move either. This time she was very rested and fully charged and the confident glint in her eyes made him blush as she looked around the room encasing everything in dark energy and teleporting it back to her new home. He couldn't help but smile at her. In spite of his current vulnerable situation, he wasn't scared at all. The dark energy around him didn't hurt. It actually felt cozy, as if it was embracing him. And he knew she was making it feel like that on purpose."Stop smiling at me." Raven muttered.He just widened his grin. "Did you like your Christmas gift?"She stopped and placed one hand on her hip, facing him and smirking. "Yes, actually."The shapeshifter's wide grin was replaced by a charming, flirtatious smile. "Good. I had to. You look so absolutely ravishing lately."The empath rolled her eyes and went back to stealing. "Shut up.""Are you taking everything this poor guy owns? Do you even know how all this stuff works!?" Garfield practically whined, looking around. "Don't you think this is a bit mu-Mmph!"Raven smirked at him as his mouth was covered by a dark energy gag. It was playful and she could sense he wasn't hurt. Besides, she thought it looked cute. "I said shut up."The Changeling narrowed his eyes. He tried to glare, but again, he was mostly turned on, so he just faked outrage as well as he could, though it seemed the more he struggled and protested the more amused she was."I can sense you're into it." The sorcerer said smoothly once she was done collecting everything she wanted. She walked up to him sensually and made him look up at her so she could appreciate how flushed his cheeks were. "It's getting harder to keep you from changing. Is that because of The Red?"As soon as she removed his gag, he smiled at her. "Yep! Maybe soon you won't be able to at all!""Then I guess I'll just have to go back to manipulating your emotions."Garfield stared up at her lovingly. "Or you could just ask nicely."A mischievous smile appeared on Raven's lips and she reached out and gently ruffled his hair then grabbed it, leaning his head back a little further. She smiled wider because of how much he enjoyed her touch. "Why do you confront me one on one when you're not prepared?""Guess I like spending time with you more than I like winning."That pulled at her heartstrings. Shit. Stop feeling giddy, Raven. Get it together. The empath opened her mouth to tease him further, but she sensed the other Titans were approaching. He looked sideways too, so she could tell he heard or sniffed them. "Well, our time's up. See you next time."As soon as she disappeared and his magical restraints were gone, he lost balance and placed his hands on the floor for support, absentmindedly smiling to himself."Is she gone!?" Nightwing entered the room.Garfield straightened up and cleared his throat. "Yeah. I thought you guys were supposed to wear her down.""Sorry, she had some new tricks this time." Superboy easily leaned against the wall and smirked. "But you're not hurt, so…no harm done."Richard glared at him. "Except she'll have a lot more new tricks soon because she took all this stuff."Conner chuckled. "Right. Yes. Except for that.""Besides, he could have gotten hurt." Dick frowned.Superboy laughed breezily. "Please, she's never going to hurt him. They probably spent the whole time flirting. Look at him; he's all hot and bothered."Garfield stood up and wiped his uniform, fully aware his cheeks were flushed and his hair was disheveled. Dick realized Conner was right and sighed as everyone else chuckled.Ravager addressed the shapeshifter. "Are you having secret sleeping-with-the-enemy sessions?"The Changeling huffed. Oh, I wish. "Of course not."Rose narrowed her eyes. "I give them a month to get there.""You're on." Damian shook her hand.Garfield rolled his eyes, but his heart was aching. She'll never sleep with me again. That's definitely over. "You're losing money, Rose.""We'll see." Ravager confidently folded her arms.It hadn't been two weeks yet when the ambush happened. The Titans had been engaged in stopping a robbery. They saw a room full of hostages through the security cameras and the Changeling only shot Nightwing a quick glance to confirm he should go since he could easily get through locked doors without taking them down, which could end up hurting someone. Dick nodded at him and he broke into a sprint. But once he got to the room where they were supposed to be, it was empty.His instincts nearly saved him, because they shouted at him to get out of there. But he could already smell it. Whatever was in the air was extremely harmful. He held his breath and started changing, but he'd already inhaled the toxic gas. It made his vision blurry, his limbs numb, his mind hazy and his powers malfunction. Fuck. Get out get out get out. His body was desperately trying to save him, shapeshifting without a clear plan as he stumbled towards the door. But it was all turning to black already. He was losing consciousness and out of time.When he woke up, there was a bag over his head, his hands were cuffed behind his back and he could feel cold metal around his neck. He immediately tried to free himself, but if his powers had malfunctioned before, now they were completely blocked. He couldn't shapeshift at all. This isn't Raven, I can't sniff her. Who else can do this!? When they finally removed the bag from his head he blinked a few times, because it was extremely disorienting at first. Then his vision became focused again and Garfield realized he was in some kind of laboratory. And then he saw a familiar face and a greedy, wicked smile. Oh, fuck."Finally, we can talk alone." Lex Luthor said in a chilling, evil voice.Raven suddenly got a terrible feeling in her gut as she felt her blood run cold. It could only mean one thing. Something awful had happened. She meditated to try and get a vision, and all she saw was him. Garfield looking scared and in pain, over and over again. The empath picked up her T-communicator, but it rang before she could call them and she felt nauseated, because she'd told the Titans to only use it for emergencies. As in, life or death emergencies. "Dick. It's Garfield, isn't it?""Raven." Nightwing said. "I…yes. How did you...""What happened? Where is he?""We don't know. We lost him in a mission. It was an ambush."Her breath caught in her throat. "It wasn't us.""I know. When you warned us about Luthor, we took some precautions. He was wearing a tracker, but…whoever took him found it and disposed of it on the street."Raven's entire body tensed up and she clenched her jaw. "Tell me everything you know."Garfield screamed again. He was so tired. First they took his blood, his liquor, samples of skin and saliva. Then Lex explained the collar was built for him with alien tech. He'd noticed it resembled the collar Soto had him wearing all those years ago – except it was slightly modified and much worse, because it could make him powerless. It still shot agonizing electric shocks through his body, and when it allowed him to shapeshift, it would securely adjust around him no matter what he changed into, just like Soto's. The remote never left Lex's hand.Then the experiments started. The people in the white coats put him in a large empty room with reinforced glass and put him through every kind of situation to see what would trigger him and how, if something made him more compliant or more aggressive, if he was in control of the changes or if it was a reflex, and so on. They made him hallucinate, they nearly froze him to death, they beat him up, gave him shocks and starved him, but he refused to shapeshift. They were measuring his responses, analyzing his brain and trying to understand how it all worked and he knew whatever Lex was planning to do with all this information wasn't good. He wasn't about to let him use his gift to hurt people, so he didn't comply.That got on Luthor's nerves a bit. He had expected him to be easier to break. So he decided to get creative and chained the Changeling to a chair. "Okay, fine. We can do this the hard way.""What are you trying to do to me? I thought you just wanted my DNA." Garfield frowned, squirming a little at the sight of the torture tools."I said I'd make you my lab rat." Lex said calmly. "We are going to see how far you can go, I'll make you jump and bend and run and dance for me while I study you. And if I have to turn you into a pet and domesticate you first, so be it." He turned around with a knife in his hand and a wicked grin on his face. "You'll be loyal and obedient by the time I'm done with you. And you'll only answer to me. Then I'll use you however I want."Garfield gulped loudly and struggled helplessly against his restraints. He desperately tried to reach out to The Red, but whatever this thing around his neck was doing it definitely emanated something that messed with his brain, because his connection to it was completely blocked. Lex Luthor started cutting him open and the shapeshifter bit his lip to avoid screaming, but the villain didn't stop. He continued slicing his chest, his stomach, his arms and his face. When he finally did scream, Lex started enjoying it even more."You won't be difficult to break, will you? You don't have a whole lot of willpower."Garfield squeezed his eyes shut and remembered Raven telling him he could last longer than he imagined under torture because he was stronger than he thought.I can do this. He opened his eyes and grinned smugly at his captor. "I have more than you think."Lex didn't like that. He gave the green boy another excruciating wave of electric shock. The shapeshifter grunted in agony as his body shook wildly. Once it stopped and he was panting heavily, Luthor sighed. "I could use your gifts so much better than you ever will. Submit to me and trust me, I'll help you do impressive things.""I don't need you for that. I'm already impressive." Garfield smiled tiredly.It got worse. He slept in a terribly cold cage and in chains. The next day, there were more tests, more samples and naturally, more torture."If you just behaved, you wouldn't have to go through this." Lex said evilly as he iron-branded his emblem on the shapeshifter's back.Garfield's eyes rolled back in his head and his lips parted, but the pain was too excruciating to even scream. Shit. Raven is gonna be so mad. The villain stopped before he could pass out and he attempted to catch his breath. He was covered in sweat and blood and now his nostrils were contaminated with the scent of burned flesh. His burned flesh. Lex had been cutting him open and beating him up a lot in his attempts to tame him. He was cold and sore and he knew he looked awful. So he started chuckling softly, even though it sent annoying shots of sharp pain through his bruised body."What are you laughing at, freak?" Lex hissed.He chuckled a little louder at that, just as Madame Rouge entered the secret lab."Have you tamed him already?" She asked casually before noticing the shapeshifter was laughing. "Oh, I suppose not."Luthor pressed a knife to Garfield's neck. "I asked you a question, pet."The Changeling swallowed and looked at his captor with an amused expression on his face. "She's going to destroy you, you know?"The villain frowned and pulled the knife back. "What are you talking about?"Garfield chuckled softly again. "What do you think? The witch of Siren Mansion? The destroyer of worlds? She who banished Slade to the Phantom Zone and absorbed Eclipso's ass? I'm sure you've heard of her." He realized the people in the white coats were exchanging nervous looks. "Yeah, her. She's gonna find me."Lex scoffed. "Have I tortured you so much you forgot she hates you? She left you, idiot."The Changeling breezily shook his head. "It doesn't matter, she'll still come. And she won't like this one bit. She'll make you pay for it." And then he definitely saw it. A glint of doubt and fear flash through his captor's eyes. "You know…for someone so smart, pissing her off is kinda dumb.""Luthor? What is he talking about? I thought you made sure she wouldn't be a problem. Isn't that why I kissed birdie boy?" Rouge folded her arms.Lex quickly regained his cool and collected posture and tone. "He's bluffing. She doesn't give a fuck.""Are you sure?" The French woman pressed. "He doesn't look worried."Garfield had a peaceful – though exhausted – smile on his face. "Personally, I think you should send me back with an apology note right now and pray for mercy. But hey, your call."Luthor sent another electrifying shock through his body. "Maybe you need a muzzle."The second night was even colder. His body ached so badly he couldn't even get any sleep. He started to miss things like a decent meal and a shower. Don't worry, she'll come. She'll definitely come."Oh my God…"Garfield frowned at the sound of Raven's voice. That's weird. She always says Oh my Azar. He turned around too quickly and winced in pain, but she was there, with her fingers on her lips in shock and tears in her eyes. Except…he sniffed. No lavender. "You're not her."Rouge changed back and glared at him. "Impressive.""This collar doesn't give you control of all my powers." He said smugly. "What was the plan? To pretend she was rescuing me then break my heart?"The French woman examined her nails. "Precisely."Well, that's fucking cruel. His mind went back to her again, hallucinating with him saving her multiples times to then find out it wasn't real. How absolutely desperate she must have felt. "Well, you may look like her and sound like her, but you smell like decay."Madame Rouge angrily opened her mouth to respond, but then Lex Luthor came in."Remarkable. Let's explore that today." He said calmly. "Let's get started, pet."This time they chained him up to a table and Lex began by slowly burning his arm. He smiled as the shapeshifter screamed in pain."When will you understand I own you now?"The Changeling panted. "What is it with you bad guys and this obsession with owning people?""Allow me." Rouge said evilly, pulling a knife from the torture tools. "You're clearly going too easy on him."Garfield swallowed and braced himself. As bad as Lex was, he had a feeling Rouge could be even worse.She lightly ran the tip of the knife up his chest and examined him intently. "Well, look at that." Madame Rouge grinned an utterly malicious grin. "You grew up nicely."The shapeshifter didn't like the hungry eyes she was watching him with and squirmed a little, but his face showed no fear. "Yeah? You didn't. You look awful."The vain woman's grin disappeared and she glared at him instead, quickly getting her hands on tape to harshly cover his mouth with. "Try making your little jokes now."Yeah, that makes it harder. Since he couldn't really do anything else, Garfield just returned her glare as defiantly as he could.And then she had a wickedly brilliant idea and turned into Raven again. "Maybe this is more to your liking." She smiled and caressed his cheek before slapping it hard. "I'm going to have so much fun playing with you."That got to him, and he couldn't hide it. He knew she'd seen it in his eyes. And so it began. Day after day he would spend cold nights in the cage, be experimented on and tortured. They held his face under water, hung him upside down and gave him endless shocks as he still wouldn't cooperate. They also injected him with toxic substances to see how he would respond, which at one point made him end up shapeshifting against his will after all – they were beyond excited at first, but then Luthor had to stop it with his remote before Garfield tore the whole place apart. And Rouge always looked like Raven to torture him. By the end of the second week, he wasn't any more compliant. But he was much more miserable.The villain worked on cutting the word freak into his chest with broken glass while looking like the girl he loved. "Did you really think I loved you? Look at you. You're repulsive. Who could ever love you?"Garfield screamed into his gag as she made another deep cut. He didn't want to let it get to him. He knew it wasn't her. But the fact that she looked and sounded exactly like her just made it so much worse. Stop looking like that. Stop wearing her face. Please. He cursed internally, because he felt tears in his eyes. No, no, no. Not now."Awe are you going to cry?" Raven-Rouge slid a finger up his chest then held his chin in her hand so firmly he grunted in pain. "Well isn't that just-"The villains interrupted their mockery to look around in confusion, because the lights of the lab began to flicker and the computers and equipments were turning on and off at random."I thought you said the power here wouldn't be affected by the rest of the building." Rouge told Luthor, becoming herself again."It isn't.""Then what is that?"Garfield was already smiling. Then a lightbulb exploded, making both villains jump. The workers were desperately trying to figure out what was going on. Both Lex and Madame Rouge stared at the Changeling quizzically when they realized he was laughing freely.The woman removed his gag. "What are you laughing at, you idiot!?"The Changeling grinned at them. "That would be my ex."He was extremely amused to see color drain from both their faces and the rest of the people in the lab immediately try to run away – only to find out all the doors were locked. Lex and Rouge took a step back from him and looked around worriedly."You're sooo fucked." Garfield chuckled breezily, ignoring the pain it caused.Madame Rouge glared daggers at Lex Luthor. "I thought you said she didn't give a fuck." She sighed when she realized he looked a bit confused. "Step aside, I'll handle her."A dark energy bird appeared out of thin air and Raven emerged from it, floating above their heads right in front of the table Garfield was lying on. Rouge was immediately encased in a ball of dark and scarlet energy that bound her. The lights flickered faster and the lab became windy as the temperature dropped. Now the fear in Lex's eyes was obvious to anyone. Garfield grinned wider, in spite of the pain and the cold.Her heart sank when she saw him watching her with grateful eyes. His wrists were cuffed above his head and there were chains holding the rest of his body in place. His uniform was all ripped, so she could see his green skin tainted by purple bruises and blood. There was a collar around his neck and a remote in Luthor's hand. She took in the cage on the corner, the experimental reinforced-glass room, the medical equipment and the torture tools. The empath looked at Garfield again. They'd cut the word freak into his chest. She couldn't remember being this angry since her own torture. She couldn't remember ever being this angry, since she would have switched places with him in a heartbeat to spare him from the last fifteen days.Raven's eyes glowed red and she turned her attention to Lex Luthor as her voice gained that chilling, echoed quality. "Did I not warn you what would happen if you laid a finger on him?"Lay a finger on him and die. He definitely remembered. "I-I…no, you don't understand, Raven. T-this isn't…I thought-Mmphh!"The gag they had been using on Garfield was suddenly securely tied around Luthor's face and he was hopelessly trying to remove it. The shapeshifter chuckled happily."Silence." The sorcerer stretched her arms out and every single person in a white coat, not to mention a now drained Rouge and Lex himself, had their legs and arms wrapped by dark tentacles that pulled them down, forcing them to their knees and binding them. Raven lowered her body to the floor and approached the woman first. She touched her head and looked through her latest memories, making her scream. First she saw her manipulate Dick and then she saw her torture Garfield, all while wearing Raven's face. "You turned into me to torture him?"Madame Rouge's eyes widened and she tried to make her body stretch in any way that could release her, but the dark energy tentacles just held on tighter. "Wait! I'm sorry. I can help you. I'll be on your side, you can trust me.""I'll be the judge of that." The empath squatted and placed her other hand over Rouge's chest, making her scream again. After several seconds, her glowing eyes focused on the woman's face. "Rotten."The villain's eyes filled with fear. "Are you going to enslave me?""No. You don't get to live."Rouge despaired and struggled against her restraints. "What!?""What made you think you could touch him!?" Raven's glow burned brighter.Garfield's eyes grew huge. When she used the same words he said to Adonis before killing him, he knew what it meant. The villain seemed to know it too."No, wait! Fuck! Please!" Rouge begged, but there was no real repentance or sincerity in it.The white glow emerging from the empath's hands entered her body and destroyed everything vile it found inside, which meant there simply wasn't enough left in the end, and Madame Rouge's limp body fell lifeless to the floor.It all happened so fast and Beast Boy was still shocked. Fuck. She killed her. She really killed her. He wondered what was wrong with him, because as dark as Raven killing for him was, it still made his heart skip a beat. But he didn't want her to regret going too far and suffer for it later. Or worsen her afterlife odds even further. Rouge was a powerful monster, but Lex was just a bad person.Lex Luthor's eyes were enormous as he watched his partner die. He struggled desperately against the tentacles and muffled cries escaped his lips until the sorcerer removed his gag and he looked up at her. She was not amused. "I'll never touch him again, I swear!"Raven smiled wickedly and looked through his memories as well. Watching him torture Garfield sent her over the edge again and she furiously lifted him by an invisible grip around his throat. The villain's body shook violently while he suffocated."Rae, don't kill him." The Changeling's hoarse, tired voice pleaded. "Conner…"Lex saw a tiny frown appear on her forehead and she immediately dropped him on the floor. He desperately gasped for air and he could tell she was hovering over him and he wasn't quite safe yet. He knew she wasn't done."Intelligence is power, Luthor. You've always known that." Raven said coldly. She was grateful for Garfield's intervention, but that didn't mean she was letting him get away with it. "But do you know what's even better?" Her hands glowed brightly in a mixture of dark, scarlet and bright yellow energies when he finally looked up at her. "Actual power."He screamed when her incredible magical whirlwind involved him, shifting his form into something else entirely. The pain from his bones shrinking and changing was excruciating, but it was over reasonably fast. And then he realized what she'd done. This fucking demon witch.Raven placed her hands on her hips and stared down at him. "Now you're the pet."The Changeling laughed as loudly as he could in his current state, because she had just turned Lex Luthor into a small and harmless dog."You'll stay cursed until you've truly repented in your heart. Then you can be human again." The empath said plainly, allowing the lights to stop flickering and the wind to cease, the room temperature to rise again and her eyes to finally stop glowing. She turned to the now more-terrified-than-ever workers still bound to the floor. "I have memorized all your faces. Fix your lives or I'll come for you."They nodded aggressively in agreement."Ten minutes of nonstop nightmares seems like a merciful punishment for you for now." She said, stretching her arms out again. "Next time, I won't be so nice." And then she put them all to sleep and turned to the green boy bound to the table.His heart fluttered recklessly when she looked at him, because her face immediately softened when she rushed to his side and her eyes looked him up and down, filled with hurt, concern and tears."Shit. What did they…shit." Raven whispered.Garfield smiled breezily at her. "I knew you'd come. Thanks for the rescue, love."The sorcerer focused on his face. She fought back the tears and did her best to smile slightly at him. "I told you I'll always rescue you. Sorry it took so long. I had to find the right brains to dig through to get close enough to sense you."I told you I'll always rescue you, she said. And she let me call her love. That gave him wild butterflies. "Are you kidding me?" I took eight months to save you. "You're a sight and just in time. Also, didn't I tell you to never apologize to me about anything ever again?"Raven rolled her eyes fondly. "Well…sorry to tell you, but…you're not going back to Titan Tower yet."Please say that means you're taking me to Siren Mansion. I want to be around you so badly right now. "Okay…"The empath awkwardly held out his collar's remote. "The Sirens know I'm rescuing you. If we don't at least get ransom money, I'll never hear the end of it."The Changeling's smile widened a bit. "So I'm yourprisoner now?"She was getting butterflies too because of the feelings emanating from him. He's not scared or upset. He's actually kind of excited. "Well…yes.""I'm very okay with that." Garfield sighed contently, closing his eyes."It will give me a chance to heal you too."Well, this just gets better and better. He grinned, keeping his eyes closed. "That sounds heavenly. But…not tonight. Recharge first. I don't want to hurt you.""Don't worry, I'll take it slow." Raven broke his chains with dark energy, including the one keeping his arms above his head. She gently brought them down, resting his cuffed hands on his stomach. "I'm going to teleport you as smoothly as I can, okay?"His grin got all cheeky and playful. "Yes, my queen."She rolled her eyes and blushed a little, making his heart race. Then she carefully enveloped his body with dark energy and floated him into the air slightly, touching his chest and his knees as they were both teleported to the entrance hall of Siren Mansion, with Garfield lying on the couch. He relished in the sensation of lying on something soft for a change."She's back! And she found him!" Harley cheered excitedly, rushing to their side. "Wow, they really tortured you, huh?"Catwoman and Poison Ivy came up behind her. They grimaced a little at his state, but the blonde's eyes were glistening. She had a soft spot for torture."Is that a collar!? That is so cool!" Harley Quinn hugged Raven. "Is he our pet now!?"The Changeling bit his lip and watched the empath as she rubbed her temples. He was feeling a bit exposed and slightly in danger now."No, Harley, you can't play with him." Raven said plainly. "Look. I only wanted to show you I brought him back and-""Won't he change?" Selina frowned."No, the collar won't let him." The sorcerer answered."So where are we keeping him?" Catwoman asked."My room. He's staying in my room." Raven ignored the overwhelming excitement and gratitude that poured out of him for that. "In fact, I'll be taking him there now.""Your room? You're keeping the Titan prisoner in your room?" Selina raised an eyebrow.Harley's eyes were still eagerly eyeing his collar. "Are you going to play with him?"Poison Ivy folded her arms and smirked. "What are you doing with him in there?"The empath turned around to face them. "Whatever the fuck I want." She said pointedly. "He's not our prisoner. He's my prisoner. And I'll do whatever I want wherever I want with him. Is that clear?"Garfield's cheeks burned. Why is that so hot? He knew exactly why. She was protecting him.Harley giggled hysterically. "Crystal clear! You don't like sharing, got it! Have fun!"Selina playfully put her hands up in the air. "Forget I said anything.""Just don't set him free." Pamela said pointedly."I won't. Your job is to ask Nightwing for ransom money. However much you think it's fair. Batman will pay for it." Raven concluded. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"She teleported them one more time and this time, Garfield found himself lying on her bed inside her room. He looked around and noticed how similar it was to her room back in Titan Tower. He also noticed Michelangelo on a chair beside her bed and his heart soared. Then he smiled as Salem climbed onto the bed and rubbed against him."Sorry about that. I just needed them to see I brought you back." The empath spoke from the bathroom."Don't apologize to me, remember? Ever."She came into the room again and rolled her eyes. "I never agreed to that.""I know but…you should." The shapeshifter said quietly. "Also…I don't know how much money Dick will be willing to pay for me now." He chuckled softly. "He kinda hates me since you left."Raven gently enveloped him in dark energy again and floated him towards the bathroom. "I doubt that."The Changeling stared at her blissfully as she lowered him to an empty bathtub. I could use a bath. "Really?""You can't sleep on my bed smelling like that."And then she took her time cleaning him up. She washed his sweaty hair first, massaging his scalp. Garfield practically moaned at the sensation and his heart ached in a wonderful way for once. Then Raven gently wiped his face with a wet cloth and washed the blood and sweat off his body with warm water. He closed his eyes and winced in pain every now and then, but mostly he felt warm and fuzzy and fully enjoyed every second of being touched by her again. She's being so kind. I miss her kindness so much. The shapeshifter noticed her eyes were welling up too. "Remember when I did this for you?""Of course I remember. I was much filthier than you." The empath chuckled softly, starting to carefully dry him off."Because you were gone and tortured for much longer." He looked into her eyes. "I wish I could have saved you as fast as you saved me."She smiled sadly. "That doesn't matter. All that matters is we're both safe."Raven wrapped him in her fluffy robe – the same one he and Kory wrapped her in when she was hurt – and floated him back to bed because she didn't want him spending energy trying to walk yet. Then she sat down next to him and frowned, examining his exposed, wounded chest."Don't."The sorcerer looked up at his face. "What?""Don't heal me now. I know you're thinking it."Her eyes widened slightly because she really was thinking it. So she pulled the covers over him instead, which he gratefully grabbed with his cuffed hands to pull closer, sighing contently and closing his eyes. Raven tried to ignore his cuteness and went behind a curtain to change into her sleeping clothes – black shorts and a loose gray t-shirt."Will it be too weird if I lie there with you?"Garfield's eyes shot open. She wants to share the bed with me!? Okay, keep it cool. Play it cool. "Of course not. It's your bed."She hesitated when she sensed his infatuation with her, but the truth was seeing him like this was killing her. She needed to be close to him, hold him and make him feel better, at least until she could finish healing him. It didn't matter what he did, she would still want to take care of him in this state. So the empath lay down on her side next to him. The Changeling was lying on his back and staring at her room's ceiling, trying not to let her sense how nervous he was.Raven brought a finger to the giant, deep cut on his cheek. She could tell it was extremely painful and it made him wince and grimace a bit every time he spoke or smiled. And he loved to speak and smile. "Just this one." She whispered.Garfield's eyes focused on her as her fingertip glowed white and delicately traced the agonizing cut on his cheek, healing it and leaving nothing but a light scar behind. It felt amazing and he wasn't sure which was better: her gentle touch or the soothing healing magic. "I…thank you."She smiled slightly at him. "How are Dick and Kory?""Oh, she's making out with Conner now." When he saw the sorcerer frown questioningly, he chuckled lightly. It was much easier without that painful cut on his face. "I know."Raven's frown softened. "I guess that makes sense. He doesn't mind being a rebound and Kor probably thinks she needs one right now."The shapeshifter bit his lip. "Dick's worried, though. That she'll fall for him.""Well…I guess that's possible…he's actually not that bad and they have a lot in common. But…" Her line of thought was interrupted by a wave of fresh heartache and jealousy. She sighed tiredly. "Seriously? Still with the Conner thing?""I…no." Garfield felt rather embarrassed about this particular emotion now. "I'm sorry, it's not him. It's just that…what you said got me thinking of…well…""Oh. Klarion?"He nodded slowly. "Yeah I mean, you have a lot in common too. Maybe he's not just a rebound. And I know that's my own fault and I…well, I have no right to feel jealous, I know that. But I still do. But I won't act on it, I promise."He's being sincere. That's kinda mature. She rolled her eyes. "I'm not in love with Klarion, Gar."Oh, thank God. The Changeling exhaled and smiled. "He's in love with you, though. Not that I blame him."Raven huffed softly. "More like obsessed with me. It's psycho love, but…he's loyal."Garfield opened his mouth to say you deserve better but then he realized that he was supposed to be better and he hurt her more than Klarion ever would."What about you?" She asked quietly. "You like someone, don't you? You're not all over scandals and orgies anymore; someone's caught your eye. You can tell me, I won't curse her." Raven chuckled, doing a marvelous job at hiding how much she was dreading his answer.The Changeling looked at her and desperately tried to read her enigmatic face, but he had no idea what she was feeling. "There's no one.""Really? No one?" The empath narrowed her eyes. He was emanating sincerity, but it just sounded so unlikely to her.He chuckled at how skeptical she looked. "C'mon Rae, who's gonna follow you? No, I'm not into anyone, I'm just trying to be healthier and all that so I quit the meaningless sex."She blinked. Thank Azar. "Oh. That's good, I guess. The trying to be healthier part, I mean."The sorcerer suddenly inhaled deeply, because his cuffed hands were by her shoulder and his fingers were playing with a lock of her hair."Hey, is your hair a little longer?" Garfield asked while admiring the purple lock between his fingers, absolutely distracted by it.Raven relaxed and smiled slightly. "Mhm. A little. So…you're really not scared of me."He frowned. "Why would I be- ohh, you mean for getting all intense when you rescued me?" When she just nodded at him with soulful eyes, he smiled cheekily. "Nope. It was sexy."She turned her face and chuckled against the pillow. "You're insane. I killed someone."Garfield's heart warmed up at the sound of her chuckling this freely again. "Not someone. Rouge. Don't shed a tear for her, Rae. I mean it. You saved me. You pulled me out of Hell again." He said quietly but sincerely while looking into her eyes. "Thank you.""Don't mention it." The empath closed her eyes and sighed peacefully."Rae? Don't you need your crystal to sleep? The nightmare…""Not since the bunker." She muttered. Not since you were selfless and kind to me again.He smiled truthfully at that. Did I have anything to do with…no, probably not. Just thank God she's not going through that anymore. "Oh, good. Better than good. Awesome."Raven smiled softly and rested an arm across his chest over the covers. Salem cuddled between them. "'Night, Gar."Garfield's chest ached and his heart wanted to soar freely. He had to contain his bliss. She's only doing this because you're hurt. Enjoy it because it will be over soon. "'Night, Rae."The next morning, he woke up alone and figured she was out doing villainous things already. The shapeshifter struggled to sit up and groaned in pain. Great. Now what am I gonna do all day? He looked around and thought about trying to find something he could steal before going back just so Dick didn't give him as much of a hard time, but then he smelled something that made his stomach roar greedily. Is that what I think it is!? Garfield was practically drooling when she opened the door carrying a plate full of vegan pancakes and a bottle of water.He stared at her with wide eyes and a huge grin. "No fucking way!"Raven rolled her eyes and placed the plate and the bottle in front of him on the bed. Her heart broke again when she saw his black eye and the cuts on his chest partially showing, though her robe was still hiding most of the damage.Garfield put his cuffed hands up in the air and looked at her. "Are you taking these off me?"She leaned against the wall and folded her arms. "Of course not. You can eat with those on. In fact, I'm cuffing you to the bed when you're done."He pouted. "Seriously? Isn't this freaking collar enough? It's not like I'm going to escape with no powers and a bruised body." Regardless, the shapeshifter started devouring the pancakes at once because they smelled delicious and he was really hungry. He closed his eyes and hummed in satisfaction, because they tasted as amazing as he remembered. It was so good he thought he might cry. "Who says I even want to escape?"Raven grimaced. "Still talking with your mouth full?"Garfield chuckled. "C'mon I was tortured and the food was awful and this is really good, give me a break.""Fair enough. Anyway, you might not escape but you'll look through my magic books and try something stupid." She said stoically while watching him eat. "You'll probably end up summoning Lucifer by accident and then I'll have to save your ass again."The Changeling swallowed his last mouthful and smiled light-heartedly. "Mmm…that does sound like something I would do."The empath smirked. "Besides…maybe I think those look cute on you."He froze. There it is. That flirty voice. He glanced at her to confirm it and she was definitely eyeing him sensually. It made his cheeks turn pink and his heart race. He got so flustered he couldn't think of a witty comeback as she smiled confidently and walked up to him, summoning a laptop on her hands."I have to work. I'll be back as soon as I can. What do you want to watch?"Garfield shot her a toothy grin. "Clash of the Planets!"Raven couldn't help but smile fondly at him. She cuffed his hands to the headboard above his head and placed pillows under him for support so he could see the laptop playing a marathon of Clash of the Planets on the table by the end of the bed. "Comfortable?"Yes, actually. "Well, I'd be more comfortable without these handcuffs and this collar and-""Too bad. This isn't a resort." She placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow.The shapeshifter smiled up at her. "I'm comfortable. But…what if some other villainous person comes in and finds me like this?""I cast a spell weeks ago. No one comes in without my permission, don't worry.""But what if you don't come back for lunch!?""You'll just eat when I come back. You'll live."He whined playfully. "Fiiine. But just so you know, I wouldn't try to escape." Like I'd pass on the chance to spend time with you. I miss you so much. So freaking much."Sure. I'll start healing you later, okay? I promise.""Only if it won't hurt you." Garfield said sincerely."I mean, we negotiated trading you on Friday so I have to get started, there's a lot to heal."He grinned widely. That's two more nights of Raven! He could tell she was confused about his emotions because she quizzically tilted her head to the side. "Well, you don't have to heal me at all. You already saved me, so don't worry.""Yes, well, I'm still doing it." The sorcerer said as she walked to the door. "See you later.""I'll be right here. Not going anywhere." Garfield joked. When she chuckled softly, he decided to make another joke. "Don't kill anyone at work today, love!" Shit. Was that offensive!? His entire body tensed up.Raven rolled her eyes playfully. "No promises."The Changeling exhaled in relief and turned to watch the movie.Several hours later, the empath came back with vegan pizza and more water. "Sorry, that took a lot longer than I thought it would.""Is everything okay!? Are you okay!?" He turned his head as much as he could to look at her. Hungry as he was, he was mostly concerned.Raven smiled softly and released his hands from the headboard, keeping them cuffed to each other. She put the pizza on his lap and the water in front of him. "It's handled. And I'm okay. Just…tired."Garfield attacked the food as soon as he realized she really was okay. Fuck, it's so good. He beamed at her. "Thank you."She opened her mouth to say something, but her T-communicator rang. She picked it up."It's Dick. Don't speak unless I tell you to speak." The empath instructed firmly.Her commanding voice sent shivers down his spine. "I love it when you're bossy."Raven rolled her eyes and answered her communicator. "Yes, Nightwing?""Raven, what the fuck?"The empath smirked. "What?""You're asking for a lot of money."She fought back a smile when Garfield raised his eyebrows at her in a way that clearly meant I told you so."I mean, I did all the work."Richard sighed. "Right. Well, thank you. Is he okay?""Not really but that's not my fault. That was Luthor, Rouge and the creepy scientists.""Raven!?" Cyborg spoke into the communicator. "Is it bad? How hurt is he? Can I talk to him?""It's bad, Vic. But I'll heal as much as I can before he goes back. And no, you can't.""Why not?!"She ignored Garfield's pleading eyes. "Because I had a long day and I don't want to hear a two-hour-long conversation about whatever geeky thing you two are currently into."Damian took the communicator and chuckled. "None of us do. By the way, what happened? Did you capture Rouge? What about Luthor? My brilliant brother forgot to ask. Are we supposed to pay for them too or are they brainless and working for you now?"Raven bit her lip. "Well, I…I might have sort of…killed Rouge.""Sick." Damian said pointedly before protesting as someone obviously snatched the communicator out of his hand."You killed Rouge?" Nightwing asked in a concerned voice."It was an accident.""Oh. What happened?""I got angry."Dick sighed. "Raven…""I only destroyed the evil, rotten parts of her soul. It's not my fault there was nothing left.""I mean, she has a point there." Rose said in the back.Another tired sigh from Nightwing. "What about Lex?""Close. But no. Garfield got me thinking of Conner and I stopped."There were several seconds of silence on the other side."Thank you. To both of you. I wouldn't have blamed you, but…thank you." Superboy said quietly. "So where is he now?""Please let me tell them!" The shapeshifter whispered urgently, reaching for the communicator, but the empath shook her head and pulled it away from his reach.Raven cleared her throat. "I turned him into a dog."Several seconds of silence passed once again."You did what!?" Nightwing finally asked as loud gasps and muffled laughter could be heard in the back."I just cursed him a little. Don't worry, he can turn human again. He just needs to genuinely repent. It's entirely up to him." The sorcerer smirked, shooting Garfield an amused smile. He was beaming at her."Oh! You're just like the sorcerer in Beauty and the Beast!" Starfire squealed."Well, I'm nicer than her. He doesn't need someone to love him; he just needs a change of heart. Besides, I turned him into a dog, not a monster. But…yes, kind of."There was soft chuckling on the other side."Raven?" Nightwing said seriously. "I know they're laughing, but…listen, you know I trust you. But I find all of it a little alarming.""Okay, but Dick, you didn't see what they were doing to him." Raven matched his serious tone. "It's a miracle I didn't hurt the workers. I just threatened them and gave them bad dreams.""See? That sounds merciful." Kory said in the back."I…was it that bad?" Richard asked quietly."Worse."Nightwing's voice gained a more severe, judgmental quality. "And then you decided to keep him prisoner too?""That's completely different." Raven answered, rolling her eyes at an amused Garfield eating pizza in front of her. "He's ridiculously comfortable, trust me.""Well, that…" Dick cleared his throat. "What if we don't pay? Then what? We know you're not killing him.""Why would I kill him? I simply won't give him back." She smiled at the way that made the shapeshifter's cheeks blush."…you can't keep him there forever." Nightwing stated almost questioningly."Sure I can. I can control him without wasting my powers now. I borrowed Luthor's tech, there's a collar and a remote. So pay up or you might have to fight him next time we meet." The empath hung up and then addressed a now slightly scared Garfield. "Don't worry, I'm not really going to do that."He immediately relaxed and chuckled. Of course she's not. She's my Rae. "I told you he wouldn't want to pay.""He might not want to but he's going to."Just a few minutes later, Raven was helping him sit up on the bed and sitting behind him, pulling the robe down to his waist. Garfield's heart accelerated wildly at first, but then he felt a blissful, warm sensation and a soft moan of contentment escaped his lips."Wait…don't." The Changeling whispered as soon as he realized she was healing the wounds on his back. She's tired. She said she's tired."Don't argue with me." She said plainly, continuing to heal him as he reluctantly went quiet.Once the empath was done, she helped him lie on his back and lay on her side next to him again, propping herself up on one elbow and frowning at his wounded and bruised chest, wondering where to even begin. Finally, she decided to start by getting rid of the word freak and placed her hand over the deep cuts, allowing her magic to soothe his pain.The shapeshifter felt absolutely amazing, but he noticed the small frown on her forehead, so he gently grabbed her wrist with his cuffed hands and whispered pleadingly. "Please, stop."Raven sighed. "Garfield. I want to heal you. Don't you…don't you want me to?"He realized she sounded a little hurt. "Oh, no, wait, that's not what I meant! Of course I want it. I want it so badly, it's just…well, I just don't want to hurt you." His voice got smaller and smaller and his eyes suddenly welled up. "I don't want to hurt you anymore. I…I've hurt you so much already."Oh, shit. She had nearly forgotten her heartache – not really, because she couldn't possibly forget, but it was nice to pretend it wasn't there. Now her bruised heart was all painful again and she swiftly sat up and looked away from him, pulling her knees to her chest. "We don't need to talk about that."Man up and do it. This is your only chance to tell her. "No, listen, Rae…""No, please." The sorcerer whispered. "I don't want to talk about it." I just want to heal you and sleep next to you and then smell your scent on my bed for a week."Okay, we don't have to. But I…I just need to tell you something. Please. And then we never have to talk about it again if you don't want to."Raven took a sharp intake of breath. He means that. But what else is there to say about it? "…I'm listening."Okay. Let's do this. "I am…sosorry."He'd said it before, obviously. Several times. But this time sounded different. His voice was dripping with emotion and it wasn't eager or pleading. He wasn't expecting anything, he was just being sincere. She hugged her knees a little tighter."I know I've said it before, but…you were right. I didn't get it then. I do now. I get what I did to you. I get why you can never forgive me. I don't want forgiveness anymore…I just want you to know how sorry I am." It came out a lot more choked up than he meant to, but he managed to keep his emotions under control so he didn't hit her with an overwhelming wave of heartache that would only hurt her further."…oh." Raven exhaled softly.Garfield took a deep breath and spoke quietly so his voice wouldn't crack. "You see, I thought that…putting it in more mundane terms, I thought that what I did was like…if you got a really amazing job opportunity on the other side of the world and I couldn't follow you so I stopped you from going. Which…I mean, it's bad. But…that wasn't it, was it? It was more like…if you lived with some chronic,painful illness…" He took another deep and shaky breath to avoid choking up. "…and then suddenly there was a cure on the other side of the world and…and then I stopped you from going because I couldn't follow." A strangled sob escaped the shapeshifter's lips. "And I…I can't take it back…I wish I could."She squeezed her eyes shut and grabbed her chest for comfort. Shit. That's exactly what it feels like. "Well, I…yes. But I…I told you that.""You did, I know you did. But I didn't listen. Not really. I didn't want to listen. But I…you have no idea. I'll be sorry forever. I was supposed to take care of you and I did the opposite."Raven had a feeling he was keeping his emotions in check so they didn't overwhelm her. But his words alone could have done that, so the ground shook and the lights flickered. It was the first time he actually owned up to it and she wasn't expecting it. She wasn't expecting it to ever happen. So she needed a few deep breaths to calm down before she wiped away the silent tears that had rolled down her cheeks and turned around to look at him again. He was crying softly. Why do I want to forgive him so bad? The sorcerer frowned and swallowed. "What changed? Where is all this coming from?"The Changeling shot her a sad half-smile. "I mean, therapy helped."She let out a small, soft chuckle. "You're going to therapy?""Twice a week." He shrugged. "You told me I should figure out why I did it, so…"Raven resumed her previous position beside him. "…did you?" He looks so vulnerable and he's being so sincere. I just want to kiss him.Garfield nodded and inhaled, staring into her eyes. She lay next to me again. I can't believe this is happening. "It really wasn't about how I felt about you, Rae. I swear that was the purest part of me. It was about how I felt about myself. I just couldn't truly believe you loved me because I didn't feel worthy of you. I was constantly scared you'd fall out of love with me or just find someone better. And when you…well, I couldn't believe that you'd come back. I thought you'd forget me if you went – which is no excuse, obviously. I should have let you go either way, I just…I felt worthless without you and I was selfish."I know that's how you felt. I hate that that's how you felt."Do you still feel worthless?" She whispered softly, removing hair from his forehead.The Changeling sighed and closed his eyes, enjoying her tenderness. "No. I actually like who I am. I mean, most of the time. I despise myself when I think about what I did to you, but I can't change that now so I'm just trying to be better. I definitely don't feel worthless anymore. But…I'd be lying if I said I feel like I was worthy of you at any point. I still don't know what you saw in me."Raven huffed and rolled her eyes.He opened his eyes and frowned. "You're annoyed. What did I say?""I mean, it's just that…I'm really glad you like yourself and you don't feel worthless. I'm glad you're connecting to The Red. I am. I'm so proud of you." She told him sincerely, trying to ignore the surprise and absolute delight pouring out of him at her words. "But…still with the pity party. You keep talking as if you were the only one with insecurities. I mean, don't you think I felt that way too?"Wait, what? She couldn't possibly feel unworthy of ME, right? "I…what do you mean?"The empath sat up and looked away again, because if she looked at his wounded face she would back off and she did want to address this part. "I mean, don't you think I was extremely jealous whenever someone more fun or perkier smiled at you? Don't you think I was constantly afraid you'd wake up from your dark-girl phase to find out all the things you found exciting about me just seemed boring?" She didn't turn around, but she could sense absolute shock emanating from him. "Well, I did. I just didn't want to let it affect you."Garfield lightly touched her elbow with his fingertips. "You're right." When she turned to him again, he stared into her eyes. "I don't need to get why you loved me. I know you did. You loved me so much and so purely and truthfully. I see that now." His eyes welled up again. "And I know it's too late and…well, I'm sorry. I wish..."Her face immediately softened and her bruised heart started healing without her permission again. Shit, I wasn't expecting him to be mature all of a sudden. Raven lay down again, but this time she cuddled up to him. "I'm still going to heal you, you know?"Garfield smiled and puffed his chest a little, trying to contain his bliss. She was pressed against him and he could feel her warmth. "Just promise me you'll stop if it hurts. Please."The empath nodded and her hand glowed white. She rested her chin on his shoulder as she went back to healing his chest. I'll just heal him until I'm completely exhausted and then fall asleep. "You know, I never got why you loved me either." She whispered. When he stared at her with wide eyes, she smiled tiredly and continued. "And I definitely didn't feel worthy of you. Maybe that's normal. I mean, I tried to be, but…my love was so…limited. I'm sorry you felt like I'd forget you if I left. I wouldn't. I would have come back to you as soon as I could."Holy fucking shit, is she serious!? "I know that. It's not your fault I didn't believe you. Rae, look at me." He waited until she locked eyes with him. "I lost you, but you'll always be the love of my life, okay? Your love…limited or not, it was the most blissful thing I've ever experienced and will ever experience. I'm just so sorry I wasn't ready for it."Shit. I think maybe I…do I forgive him? Raven inhaled deeply and moved on to a different wound. "Thank you for saying all of this. It means a lot to me.""It's too little too late, but I'm glad it meant something." Garfield said, now fully enjoying the warm and wonderful sensation of her soothing magic. He'd missed it so much. And she was gently touching his chest and arms as she healed most of the bigger bruises and deeper cuts and burn marks, and it felt absolutely heavenly. And then she started nuzzling his shoulder as she did it. His eyes widened and his chest burned at the intimacy and he took the chance to turn his head and inhale her hair's scent – it brought happy tears to his eyes.Raven had been hiding her face on his shoulder so he couldn't tell she was hurting, because she wanted to ease as much of his pain as she could before they fell asleep. But eventually, she grunted in pain and panted, and then his cuffed hands gently grasped her wrist to keep her glowing hand from repairing more damage."Please, stop. Please, love…" The shapeshifter whispered sweetly, massaging her wrist with his thumbs.The sorcerer smiled slightly, keeping her eyes closed, feeling so tired she almost felt slightly drunk. She nodded in agreement and the glow died out. He let go of her hand and she rested it on his chest, nuzzling his shoulder again.The Changeling's heart swelled with affection and he smiled lovingly, watching her. "This isn't how you treat all your prisoners, right?"Salem once again climbed onto her bed to snuggle up between them.Raven sighed contently against his shoulder. How dare he heal my heart like this? "No, you're special…" She said groggily before drifting off to sleep.Garfield's heart skipped a beat and he beamed at her sleeping face. "'Night, Rae…"
Rescue Me (OneRepublic)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The next morning, he looked and felt a lot better so Raven said he could go downstairs for breakfast if he was curious, which he obviously was. Garfield also thought maybe he could get some sort of useful information to give Nightwing to make up for however much money he'd had to borrow from Bruce Wayne. He was still in handcuffs, but Raven conjured some clothes on his body after helping him bathe again. So here he was, sitting across from Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Catwoman while Raven made him tofu and 7 Rings (Ariana Grande) played in the background. The empath did warningly tell her teammates to play nice before she left, but he was still a little nervous."So…" Harley charmingly rested her chin on her hands. "What's your childhood trauma?""I, uh…" The Changeling looked around unsurely.Pamela rolled her eyes. "Honey, I told you, you can't just go around asking people that."Garfield smiled. "Wait, honey? Are you two like, a thing?"The blond Siren grinned brightly. "As a matter of fact-""Don't give him information to use against us. He's just searching for weaknesses." Catwoman said, caressing Salem's fur.Ivy nodded and glared at him. "That's right. Just because Raven has some weird fetish on you, that doesn't mean you should feel at home.""No, I really wasn't trying to-shit." The shapeshifter suddenly closed his eyes, because he could feel his insides being manipulated again.Pamela smiled wickedly as she worked on altering his hormones at her will."Ivy…" Selina said warningly."Honey, stop. That's Raven's toy. She'll be angry." Harley whispered, as if they couldn't all hear her anyway."Relax, I'm not killing him." The redhead dismissed them before turning her attention to Beast Boy again. "You're gonna do something for me.""Yeah?" Garfield felt absolutely compelled to do whatever she asked of him. Maybe wearing your heart on your sleeve unfortunately also really does make you a little easier to manipulate."Take the bacon. Now.""I-I…I don't eat meat…" He frowned, struggling to resist the absurdly sudden sense of passion."You do now because I say so. Pick it up and eat it."The Changeling started sweating because it got even harder to fight it once she made eye contact with him. He picked up two slices of bacon and grimaced at them. Wait, no. Please, no. I can't eat this."Go on. Eat it." Ivy insisted through a chilling grin."Maybe you should stop. What if he pukes?" Catwoman whispered."Shhh. Eat it, prisoner." Pamela repeated in a more demanding tone.The shapeshifter resisted her immensely, but her hold on him just grew stronger and eventually he parted his lips as his hand approached his mouth. Fuck, I'm gonna do it. And then…someone else took over."Put that down, Garfield."He exhaled in relief and dropped the bacon at the sound of Raven's voice. Then he glared daggers at Poison Ivy. "You were gonna make me eat bacon!? That is souncalled for!"The empath placed a plate of tofu in front of him while also glaring at the redhead. "What did I say?"Pamela sighed. "…to play nice. But he was prying and looking for weaknesses!""I was not!" Garfield protested, eating a mouthful of tofu. "You called her honey and I was just asking to say that I fully support this!" He gestured between the two villains."Awwwe that is so sweet!" Harley squeaked.He smiled at her. "Yeah. The Joker sucks."The blonde's eyes twinkled. "Raven avenged me, you know?""Oh, I know." He nodded, chewing more tofu. "You should have seen what she did at that secret lab when she saved me.""What did you do?" Catwoman asked the empath, now fully interested."She destroyed them. It was so wicked!" The Changeling said excitedly as Raven rolled her eyes. "First, the lights started flickering, right!? And then I was like, maaanyou're so fucked!"Raven remained mostly stoic while Garfield theatrically told the Sirens everything about his rescue in details and their eyes sparkled with mischief and interest, because they obviously loved that story. Even Pamela leaned forward.The sorcerer dismissed the excitement that followed when he finished. "He's making it sound more dramatic than it was.""I am not. It was super dramatic!" The shapeshifter exclaimed."I actually believe him." Selina said. "You can get intense when people touch your stuff, Raven."The Changeling opened his mouth to argue that he wasn't stuff, but then he remembered she had implied he was her property and that was definitely meant to protect him, so he stayed silent and continued eating his breakfast.Raven sighed, standing up. "Whatever, maybe it was a little dramatic. Listen, I need to meditate. Do I need to worry or-""No, go. We won't let Ivy mess with him or anything." Selina assured her.Harley nodded enthusiastically in agreement.The empath narrowed her eyes. They mean that. She turned to the redhead. "You know, you like plants, he likes animals. You should get along a little better."Pamela rolled her eyes and stared at the Changeling again.Garfield chuckled nervously. "Uh…so, humans suck, right?"Raven smiled when she saw Poison Ivy's muscles relax. She went to her room and meditated for about two hours and as she came back, she could hear his raspy, clear, loud voice."…and I thought that I could have saved my parents, you know? Because I already had my powers. And I know it wasn't my fault, but I really can't help but feel like I could have done something. And then every time I mess up it takes me right back to that and I feel like a total and complete failure. Anyway, after that I got kidnapped by these criminals who forced me to use my powers to help them and then after I got rescued, my guardian was Galtry. And he sucked. He tried to kill me, actually. Doom Patrol saved me and I joined them, and that was better. I mean, Mento still gave me a hard time though…anyway I left and then I found the Titans. And I guess that's my childhood trau-waiiit." Garfield sniffed. "That's Raven.""You can sniff her?" Catwoman asked, thoroughly amused."Yep. She smells like lavender.""Garfield, don't tell them that stuff." The empath said, appearing out of thin air beside him. He used to avoid talking about any of this or he'd start crying."I didn't make him, don't look at me." Ivy said pointedly. "Your boy toy is just…unguarded.""He's not my boy toy.""Yeah, I wish." He said playfully, making them laugh and then beaming at her. "It's okay, I've been talking about it more openly now."Raven smiled softly at him. "That's great, but…they might use it against you. They're mean.""And risk making you mad and being turned into a rat or something?" Catwoman chuckled. "No, thank you.""Yeah, I'm pretty much untouchable." Garfield smugly leaned back on the chair, smiling up at the empath. "No one wants to get on your bad side."Raven rolled her eyes. "You're not that untouchable. You are wearing a collar."He blushed and chuckled sheepishly. "Right…but the guy who put it on me is a dog now!""Well I can't just go turning everyone to…" The empath gave up on trying to reason with him because he wouldn't stop grinning, so she sighed and rubbed her temples. "Fine. Just go back to my room.""Yes, my dark queen." Garfield said cheekily as he went back upstairs.Raven buried her face in her hand while the others chuckled. The shapeshifter walked away slowly so he could hear what they were saying with the help of his heightened hearing."Well?" Raven asked."Okay, he's not that bad." Poison Ivy admitted."Salem adores him, that's a good sign." Selina pointed out."I definitely see why you like him so much!" Harley squealed. "He's adorable!""Yes, I'm aware." The empath said blankly.She still thinks I'm adorable. Garfield couldn't contain the size of his grin or the fluttering of his heart as he entered her room. He argued with himself for a few minutes as he waited there alone. I should try to find something to give the Titans the upper hand, right? I mean, that would be the heroic thing to do…but…would it? She saved me. She's healing me. And I can't betray her trust again. He sighed and sat on her bed to wait for her. It didn't take long this time and soon enough, Raven opened her door."You're not sneaking around." She pointed out, slightly surprised.He thought about joking or flirting, but then he decided to be honest. Honesty worked so well last night. "I'll never betray you again. No matter what you do."Raven inhaled sharply and a lightbulb exploded in the corridor. Change the subject, this is dangerous territory. "So…I'm taking a day off today." She rolled her eyes when he beamed at her. "But I need to rest a little before I keep healing you. I had to spend some energy making them forget all the vulnerable stuff you told them about your childhood. Don't worry; they remember the rest of your bonding session."Garfield bit his lip. He did realize he'd opened up too much. She's still taking care of me. "Oh, that…you didn't have to do that.""Yes, I did." The sorcerer said pointedly, sitting beside him on the bed. "I like them, but I don't trust them. I did it to protect you."I know you did. He smiled lovingly at her. "Thank you. I'm sorry I'm so dumb and overshared."Raven frowned slightly. "You're not dumb. Listen…"She moved to look directly into his eyes and Garfield held his breath, because he was once again trapped in her gaze and unable to look away."I know I've told you this before…but maybe this time you can actually believe me." Raven said in a kind voice. "You were just a kid when you got your powers. You had no one to guide you through them because no one understood. You were just a kid when your parents died. All that shit that happened. None of that was your fault. You are not a failure. You are wonderful."That caught him off guard. The shapeshifter had to fight back the urge to sob into her shoulder. Instead he just looked down and wept. She waited until he wiped his tears on the back of his hands. "I…I miss you so much." He looked up with wide, regretful eyes the second he said it. Don't make her feel bad, jerk. "Sorry, that wasn't fair. I meant…thank you."Her frown immediately disappeared. "I mean it.""I know." Garfield chuckled and sobbed at the same time. "I…I can't believe you're saying this to me after what I did to you."Raven tilted her head slightly and reached out to gently wipe his wet cheek with her thumb. He immediately stopped moving and closed his eyes, relishing in her touch."You made a huge mistake with me. But that doesn't change who you are. You're a good person and a hero. Okay?" She said softly. When he smiled gratefully through the tears, her heart involuntarily soared. Dangerous territory again. Raven cleared her throat. "So, um…let's watch a movie so I can recharge and heal you again."They watched two movies – a psychological horror flick and a comedy – and had some lunch before she resumed healing him. And then it got really intimate, because she healed him slowly as they cuddled and lazily watched a show Starfire liked – and luckily it didn't require paying too much attention to it, because they were gazing lovingly at each other the whole time.At one point, Salem climbed onto the bed with them again and nestled on Garfield's stomach. The shapeshifter caressed his fur and chuckled and Raven almost leaned in to kiss him. Instead, she tenderly closed his eyelid with her finger and allowed her magic to heal his black eye. He kept leaning into her touch and melting under it, appreciating every moment. He thought of a thousand things to say and kept them all to himself, because he didn't want to risk ruining this. She even healed the scars."I'm done." Raven finally whispered, with a tired smile on her face.His own smile was absolutely blissful and lazy. "Again, are we sure you're not an angel hybrid?"She chuckled. "I'll get dinner. Do I need to cuff you to the headboard while I'm gone?"Garfield shot her a flirty grin. "You don't need to, but you can if you're into it."Raven rolled her eyes and blushed a little. Just kiss him. You know you want to. She stood up and left to meditate on her throne for half an hour and then get them dinner."You know…" She said casually as they ate. "I like this confident, grown up version of you."Garfield's lips spread into a gigantic and proud grin. "You do? I still make silly jokes, though.""Well, I should hope so." The empath chuckled slightly.This feels like a date. His heart ached while he watched her eat. But it's not. Settle down, this is not a date. Maybe she still loves me and that's what this is. But she still doesn't trust or forgive me. I'm still in handcuffs. I still ruined her life. I still ruined everything. After coming down from cloud nine, the Changeling cleared his throat and made sure to swallow before he spoke this time. He told her more about The Red and she listened intently, with wide and interested eyes.Garfield lay down and silently damned the fact it was their last night together. And then he realized Raven didn't lie down. She was hugging her knees again and looking away. He frowned. "Rae? Are you okay? Do you want me to sleep on the floor tonight? Cause I'm all healed, so…obviously, I mean, it's all good.""Would you let me go today?" She whispered so quietly it was barely audible.The Changeling wanted to sit up straight so he could properly look at her, but with his hands cuffed over his stomach it was difficult. "…what?"Raven took a deep breath and chanted the words to deactivate her powers, making her crystal glow inside her closet. It would be safer without them and she was done healing him. Then she braced herself for the question she had been dying to ask and avoiding terribly at the same time. It was all there was left to say. It was all she needed to know. "If...if Radiant's offer happened now instead of then and the portal opened today…would you let me go?"Garfield's heart tightened and he braced himself for talking about his biggest mistake some more. He would talk about it as many times as she wanted. He didn't hesitate to answer. "Yes, I would. I mean, I'd miss you like crazy and I'd cry like a baby, but…" He chuckled sadly. "…I'd let you go. I'd kill for another chance to not sabotage your happiness. I…I tried. Damian and I, we've been trying to find another way, but…""…but it was a once-in-a-lifetime offer." She said quietly, but not quite sadly, because her heart had been released from an oppressive grip that had been twisting it for months. It was lighter and less bruised and it was aching for him, because she didn't need powers to know he meant every word. Raven turned around and lay down, staring into his eyes. "Well…just to be clear I'm not going back to Titan Tower or to you, but…I forgive you."…
I forgive you.

I forgive you.

I forgive you.
It echoed in his mind a few times before his eyes widened and his heart pounded. WHAT!? Did she just say she forgives me?! She…no, but…wait."No, don't. Please." He whispered desperately as his wide eyes filled with tears.Raven tilted her head in confusion. "You don't…you don't want my forgiveness?"The Changeling exhaled loudly and sharply. "Of course I want it, more than anything, but…I don't deserve it." He bit his lip to suffocate another sob. "You were right before. You can't forgive me. I…I did curse you. Don't forgive me, please.""Well, I kind of already did." She said, watching his agony with a calm and tender expression on her face. "Besides, it's my forgiveness to give. I decide who deserves it.""But…you said you never would. You said you couldn't.""Things changed. You changed.""But I…I want to suffer." Garfield choked up and allowed several tears to roll down his cheeks. "I know that sounds like a line from a bad movie, but…you suffer. You suffer so much every day because of me, so I want to suffer too." When she reached out to tenderly wipe his tears he cried harder. "Stop being so kind to me. You should be punishing me. I should have lived with it knowing I can never fully redeem or earn your trust back or your forgiveness…that was my punishment. If you're going to take it away, at least punish me some other way…take the healing back, leave me wounded…anything."Raven gently cupped his face in her hands. "The thing is…I don't want to punish you, Gar. All I want to do right now is this." She leaned down and kissed his lips sweetly, but passionately.His body immediately responded by melting into it and deepening the kiss before his brain even registered what was happening. All the craving and longing from the last few months begged to be appeased and he cursed his handcuffs for keeping him from cradling her face or hugging her waist or massaging her thighs and pulling her closer. Then his brain finally caught up to it. 's kissing me. Raven's kissing me. She forgives me and she's kissing me. He tried not to feel overwhelmed but it was just way too much at once and way more than he expected, so he sobbed against her lips.Raven caressed his cheeks and looked at him with worried, regretful eyes. "I'm sorry. Did you not want me to do that? I can't sense you now, I'm sorry…"Garfield smiled at her through the tears and chuckled softly. "Are you kidding me? That's all I've dreamed about for months."She relaxed and smiled sweetly. "Then what's wrong?""Nothing, I just…" He took a deep breath to steady his breathing and his strained voice. "I thought you'd never do that again. Or even touch me like this again.""I can't go back, Gar. This isn't us getting back together. I can't go back to that. I'm too…""I know, love. I know. I'm so sorry.""I got that. You can stop apologizing for it.""Never."Raven rolled her eyes and leaned down to kiss him again. It started out soft and it became more and more urgent as all their repressed lust rose to the surface. One of her hands moved from his face to his chest and she smiled against his lips."You know…if it's punishment you want…" The empath whispered.Garfield heard his heart pounding in his ears with anticipation when she pulled back and pushed his cuffed hands to the headboard above his head again, smiling at him with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes."…I might have an idea." She said sensually.The shapeshifter flushed and stared at her with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Is this really happening? "You're gonna punish me with sex? That's not actual punishment, love.""Well, that's my only offer. And it can be. I could torture you."He chuckled breezily. "Sexual torture is still a reward.""It's okay if you don't want to. We don't have to-""No, do it. Do whatever you want with me. I'm yours." Garfield said quickly. I missed it so fucking much. "I only meant it's not real punishment, not that I don't want it.""Are you sure?" She raised an eyebrow while she cuffed his hands to the headboard and removed his clothes. "Just tell me to stop if you're uncomfortable, okay? My forgiveness doesn't depend on this."The shapeshifter chuckled, already feeling his breathing become unsteady. "I told you, I'll always be sure about this. Punish me all you want. I'll take it."Raven smiled wickedly and kissed down his chest while teasing his pointy ears with her fingertips, making him moan. "Mmm maybe I won't give you back. Maybe I'll just add property of Raven to that collar of yours and keep you tied to my bed. You'll look cute."Fuck, I'd forgotten how filthy she gets. The Changeling leaned his head back and parted his lips, breathing heavily as his chest burned with lust. "O-okay."The empath teased him mercilessly, not allowing him to finish at least ten times on a roll. At one point she even left him there whimpering and squirming helplessly while she went downstairs to pick up a book she then pretended to read for a few minutes as he panted, spread out and naked on her bed. She admired her work with dark, lustful eyes. "All you have to do is give up.""I-I'm fine." Garfield said in a breathy voice, with his eyelids half-closed and his toes curled up.His eyes had rolled back in his head so many times but she kept denying him permission to release the tension, so it had built up to a painful peak. She stopped touching him entirely whenever he was too close and it had reduced him to a babbling, submissive, sweaty and trembling mess. She was watching him intently looking perfect in her Siren uniform and he could smell it on her – she was deliciously aroused. The shapeshifter had promised himself he wouldn't beg for mercy. He wanted her to go as far as it pleased her. He just thought that maybe he would faint soon.Raven smiled. "You're really enduring this."Garfield nodded groggily as his chest rose and fell heavily. "Whatever you want.""That's so sweet." She said teasingly. "Maybe you've been punished enough.""Whatever you want." He repeated, keeping his eyes closed. It did hurt, but it wasn't regular pain. It was pleasure pain. It was as blissful as it was agonizing.Fuck, he's so hot. Raven decided he'd had enough. It was cute how much he committed to it, but she didn't actually want to torture him. "Look at me; I want to see the desire in your eyes."The shapeshifter immediately obeyed and stared at her with pleading and lascivious eyes and it drove her crazy. She removed her own clothes while he watched with dilated pupils and then she finally satisfied both their urges by getting on top of him, kissing him deeply the entire time. Garfield nearly fainted when the accumulated tension left his body in an explosion of sinful pleasure. He did scream her name, though. Raven didn't take too long to follow because watching him had done a lot for her. And then she collapsed on top of him, resting her head on his chest, and they lay there panting for several lazy seconds."Well now I'm gonna have withdrawal all over again." Garfield smiled to the ceiling, fully enjoying the sensation of her bare skin on top of his. "But…so worth it."She giggled against his chest and heard his heart accelerate slightly. "What withdrawal? You had so much sex after we broke up.""Raven-withdrawal. There's no comparison." He stated easily. Please just keep lying there and touching me. Don't stop yet. "Seriously, my skin is tingling."The empath chuckled softly and nuzzled his chest. He said there's no comparison. Her heart fluttered. "Mmm cute. I did miss sex."The Changeling's heart skipped a beat. "You missed…sex? As in…you haven't…?"Raven rested her chin on his chest to look up at him. "I haven't." When his mouth hung open in shock, she rolled her eyes. "What? You know it's not easy for me to get vulnerable and intimate enough to…you know.""No, I know, I just…I thought maybe you and the warlock…"She shook her head. "I would never be powerless around him. I thought about teleporting us to some pocket reality for it but…it felt wrong. I didn't really want to."Garfield bit his lip to disguise how happy that made him. "So you've still only ever been with me in that way?"Raven shrugged nonchalantly, as if she didn't know how much that meant to him. "Well, yes."The Changeling watched her with adoring eyes as she detached him from the headboard. How could I ever doubt her love!? As soon as he could, he lowered his arms, wrapping them around her so that his cuffed hands were now resting on her lower back. She smiled sweetly at him and his heart soared. She's smiling at me. I get to hold her like this. His smile widened involuntarily and he caressed her bare back with his fingers."Am I really forgiven?"She stroked his hair. "You're really forgiven."And then Raven lay down, resting her head on his chest again and drifting off to peaceful sleep – the best sleep she'd had in months for sure."Rae? Are you awake?" Garfield whispered at some point in the middle of the night. He stayed awake to watch her sleep. He'd go back to Titan Tower the next day and as excited as he was to see everyone and get his freedom and powers back, he didn't want to waste his last hours with her by sleeping. He smiled affectionately and continued whispering when she didn't respond. "Okay, good. There's some stuff I need to get off my chest and it wouldn't be fair to tell you while you're awake. I wanted to say that…I still love you so, so much. I'm just completely, helplessly, deeply in love with you. I'll miss you every day of my life and I'll never be as happy again as I was when I was with you. You are the exclusive ruler of my heart and I'm just…I'm just entirely devoted to you."Raven struggled to keep her breathing steady and thanked Azar and The Presence that he couldn't see her face well enough to notice her eyelids twitching and that he couldn't feel her heartbeat racing wildly, because she had been awake enough to hear that. She was absolutely sure if she hadn't been powerless the whole Mansion would have collapsed, and it took her several minutes of controlling her breath and calming her mind to drift off to sleep again."Mmm…" The empath grumbled against his chest in the morning. She noticed his cuffed hands were now tangled in her hair and smiled, reaching up to stroke his cheek.The Changeling woke up to a gentle, lavender-scented touch on his face and grinned before he even opened his eyes. It wasn't a dream. It really did happen. When he did open them and realized she was smiling up at him, the shapeshifter beamed, playing with her hair and feeling peace like he hadn't felt in ages. "Morning, my lovely captor."Raven giggled softly and moved, propping herself up on one elbow so her face was hovering over his. "Morning, my lovely captive."Garfield smiled breezily, rested his hands on her back again and admired her. The narrow rays of sunshine that entered her room danced around and reflected on her face, making her skin glow and her eyes glisten. And then he noticed something that made him completely mesmerized. "Hey…there are like…tiny flecks of violet in your scarlet eyes."She frowned. "There are?" That's so weird. That definitely wasn't there before."Yes, it's absurdly beautiful. I'll have to make another drawing." The shapeshifter said through an awed grin.Raven failed to fight back a coy smile and her cheeks turned pink. "Whatever."Garfield chuckled freely. Not whatever. She's being all cute. "Well, I fully enjoyed my stay here in Siren Mansion."The sorcerer chuckled as well. "Excited to go back to Titan Tower?""I'm excited to get this thing off my neck, but…I admit, I'll kinda miss being your prisoner." He grinned cheekily.Raven covered her face with her hand, chuckling softly again. "I didn't mean for it to get this kinky, I swear."Garfield grinned his gigantic, toothy, stupid grin as soon as she went back to locking eyes with him. "Yeah but…I'm so glad it did."She chuckled yet again and laid her head on his chest, enjoying the way he was caressing her lower back and inhaling his scent one more time. After a few blissful seconds, she sighed. "I think we need another shower."Once the Changeling was back in Titan Tower and after everyone had hugged him and welcomed him home, Robin and Ravager requested the full detailed version of how Lex Luthor and Madame Rouge's demise went down. Garfield told them the whole story in the ops room as both teenagers leaned forward on the couch and Starfire, Bumblebee, Cyborg and Superboy listened intently from the table. Nightwing was listening too while he pretended to strategize battle plans. When the shapeshifter finished, Damian and Rose leaned back on the couch with smiles on their faces."The Titans East came over when you got kidnapped, BB. But once we heard Rae had you, we all figured you were safe." Bumblebee said with a cheeky grin.Cyborg noticed his friend's cheeks blushing. "I see that we were right. You look better than when you left." He teasingly waggled his eyebrows. "She treated you nicely, huh?"The shapeshifter got a little flustered. "Ah…well, I…I mean, yeah." He chuckled coyly and scratched the back of his neck. "Actually, she did."The half-robot narrowed his eyes at that reaction. "Wait a minute. Did something actually happen between you?"Richard looked up at that, his curiosity getting the best of him.Garfield strutted casually to the kitchen counter and grabbed an apple, taking a bite and shrugging nonchalantly. "Well, you know how it is. Sometimes chemistry is just more intense than which side of the law you're on.""Garfield Logan." Kory practically squealed. "Tell us what you're implying right now.""Sorry, Kor." The Changeling grinned and took another smug bite of the apple. "That's between me and her." And then just as he was walking away to his room leaving a bunch of frustrated people behind, he stopped. "Oh, but…Damian? Pay Rose."And then he left and Robin immediately grunted, handing Ravager her payment while she chuckled wickedly."I knew it." Rose said with a wide grin, counting her money.It took the others a few moments to remember their bet and then they either gasped in shock or let out celebratory squeals, or both. Garfield was back in his room already, working on a pair of soulful red eyes with violet spots in them.

Bring Me to Life (Evanescence)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The flirting got a lot heavier. The Titans didn't
always
interfere with Sirens' business, like when they decided to shut down a human traffic organization. They set the women and children free and enslaved the men in charge instead, which wasn't exactly the lawful thing to do but the heroes couldn't be too upset about that. Whenever the villains were stealing some priceless item or government secrets, however, they were there to stop them. Sometimes they succeeded and sometimes they failed, but every single time they engaged against them, the Changeling would find his way to her.The shapeshifter tried ruining her plans when he could, but he also protected her fiercely if any other villains or even unknowing heroes meant to harm her, and he
always
flirted with her. At some point the Titans used the Garzilla trick again, which annoyed Raven to the core, but then Garfield cheekily slipped the new sketch he'd made of her face under her belt while she glared at him, and he definitely saw her face soften and her cheeks blush.Being forgiven did wonders for him. It felt like a giant weight lifted off his shoulders. He hadn't forgiven himself – and had decided he never would – but the fact that
she
had made a huge difference. He continued getting more confident and centered, stronger and faster, and when that added up with most villains hearing about Luthor and Rouge's fates and being terrified of angering the Siren sorcerer, it resulted in no one daring to mess with him.Their confrontations got more balanced – and more heated as well. He managed to escape her hold on his powers and now she could no longer keep him from changing. Even if she did, he quickly regained control, which aggravated and impressed her immensely. Still, she never resorted to manipulating his emotions again. Raven would still manipulate everyone else's if she had to, but not his. His whispered confessions in the middle of the night kept ringing in her head and she couldn't find it in her to mess with his feelings. She did tease him, and she often made him blush in front of everyone with snarky remarks about getting him a new collar – the previous one had obviously been destroyed.And then sometimes – though not as often as they would like – they made it to some empty corner in the middle of a fight and hastily made out against a wall until her powers caused some sort of unpredictable damage. And that's exactly what Garfield was hoping would happen soon, because the Sirens were taking advantage of a confrontation between the Justice League and the Legion of Doom – which was rather lost now that their founder Lex Luthor wasn't around – to attempt stealing several items from the Hall of Justice.Raven had taken a Kryptonite spear and the Changeling cornered her in an empty room and managed to snatch it out of her hands by growing a tail. And right now he had her hands pinned above her head on the wall, her chest would heavily rise and fall and her lips were parted and he could swear her pupils were dilated.Garfield smirked. "Robbing the Justice League
again?
You're getting bolder.""Are you here to stop me or kiss me?"He eagerly looked her up and down and smiled. "Well, I was hoping both.""I'm fully charged, you know?""Really? Then why are you pinned to the wall?"Raven shot him a suggestive grin. "Maybe I'm fine with this."That did it. He pressed their lips together and brought his hands down to her hips as she tangled her fingers in his hair, then he lifted her slightly, keeping her back against the wall, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. They continued kissing passionately while the lights flickered wildly and only stopped when the ground shook and several people screamed outside at the large cracks appearing on the walls. When they broke the kiss, Garfield lingered with his face inches away from hers and inhaled her scent."Maybe you should just stop committing crimes." He whispered."Oh, I see." She said in a playful voice. "You're here to make an honest witch out of me."The Changeling chuckled. "Well, would that be so bad?""I've done that. But then I dated this guy and he broke my heart, you see?" Raven whispered teasingly, ruffling his hair. "It kinda messed me up.""What an
idiot." The shapeshifter matched her playfulness, but there was also raw sincerity in his voice."Yes, well…what can I say? He was
hot. I fell
hard." She chuckled softly against his lips.Fuck, she's making this really difficult. He smiled widely and kissed down her jawline and neck, making her moan and shiver and whispering into her skin. "I'd treat you like a Goddess.""I have slaves for that. They worship me." The empath said in a breathy voice, leaning her head back to give him more space."Not the way
I'd
worship you." Garfield chuckled against her collarbone.She smiled freely and cradled his head in her hands, pulling his lips to hers and kissing him deeply one more time. "I have to go now, hero.""No, wai-ugh!" The Changeling's arms suddenly weren't holding onto anyone anymore and he stumbled forward and quickly placed his hands on the wall for support."See you next time."The shapeshifter turned around at the sound of her voice and she was standing by the door with the Kryptonite spear in her hand, holding it like a freaking scepter. He gasped. "Wait, did you kiss me just to take that back!?""Of course not." Raven smiled mischievously. "There were several ways I could have taken this back. I picked the most fun. Bye, hero."Garfield remained flustered for several seconds after she teleported.
I can't believe her. I didn't even remember that spear existed when we kissed. She's so…cunning. And smart. And flirty. And charming. I fucking love her so much.
He realized he was smiling and regained control of his facial expressions before someone found him with this dreamy look on his face after letting a Siren get away with a Kryptonite weapon.
Oh, well. I tried.A few days later, Raven was seated on her throne, chilling like a villain and thinking that she needed new friends. The Sirens were fun but they didn't really understand her. And she'd ended things with Klarion. The truth was she wasn't quite one of them. But she wasn't one of the heroes anymore either. It was starting to feel a bit lonely. She was considering joining a coven when her T-communicator rang, interrupting her thoughts. She immediately tensed up and teleported to her room to answer it."Hello?" The empath asked urgently. She couldn't see who it was. The image was all…dark."Hi…" Garfield said in an absolutely broken voice.He sounds sad.
"What happened? Are you okay?""Not really."There were a few seconds of silence while she waited for him to say something else."Gar, what are you-""Something h-happened." The shapeshifter sniffled."Is everyone okay?" Raven was growingly more concerned."I mean…in here, yes."He sounds so fucking sad. "Who's not okay, Gar?""I…it's…Rita…"Raven's heart sank.
No, no, no. Give him a break. He's been through so much.
"Where is she? I can help. That's why you called me, right? I'll help.""No, it's…it's too lat-" Garfield choked up and cried softly.She held onto her communicator tighter, wishing she was holding him instead. "Shit. Gar…what can I do?"He sniffled again. "Nothing, I just…I just wanted to hear your voice."Oh, my Azar. Her heart broke and so did a crystal ball on her floor, making Salem jump and run. "I…I don't know what to say." She brought her knees to her chest on her bed and held the communicator close to her face, temporarily wishing that they'd never broken up so she could be comforting him by his side. "Do you want to talk about it?""No, I…I can't…can you just…just say anything. P-please.""Anything."The Changeling chuckled softly and she smiled sadly at the sound."I think Batman and Catwoman made out again." Raven whispered.Garfield sniffled. "No way!""I know. And I think she really likes him.""Tell me more.""Okay. Don't tell Damian, but…Talia keeps trying to kill her. And Catwoman keeps letting her beat her up and she doesn't fight back as hard as she could. I think she doesn't want to kill Talia because she knows Bruce would never forgive her. You know…because she's-""Because she's Damian's mother.""Yes.""Shit. Wait,
shit!
Raven this is
juicy
gossip."She smiled sadly again. His chuckles were a little broken. He still sounded miserable, but at least she was distracting him. "I know, right? But she's scared. She won't tell him she likes him. She won't even tell herself.""Oh…that's sad. What if he said it first?""I mean…maybe. I don't know, she's sort of unpredictable.""Raveeeeen? Klarion is trying to summon Lucifer again!" Harley shouted outside her door.Raven grunted.
That fucking weirdo."Is that Harley? Tell her I said hi. And Klarion is doing
what
now?""Trying to piss me off. I have to go. Sorry." The empath said regretfully."Ah, yeah, okay, of course. Thanks."He still sounds so fucking sad. "Bye, Gar…"After dealing with the bitter warlock, Raven went back to her room and tried to get some rest. She couldn't. Her thoughts kept going to him, losing the one person who actually showed him kindness after his parents died. She wondered how he was grieving, if he was crying or repressing his emotions, if he was staying healthy, if his insecurities were trying to creep back in. She tried listening to music to calm down, but
The Scientist (Coldplay)
started playing.Starfire had a lot going on. Now on top of everything, Beast Boy had lost someone so close to him and she wasn't sure how to comfort him. She made him hot chocolate – with soy milk, of course – and she hugged him and told him everything would be okay, but none of it really helped. The whole tower was depressed and grieving with him in a way, but Garfield barely came out of his room.Starfire?
A familiar voice spoke inside Kory's head.The Tamaranean immediately stopped what she was doing.
Raven!?

Yes, it's me. I needed to talk to you. You're not answering.

Oh, Rae you have no idea how much I've been wishing I could have the girl talk with you! My communicator got destroyed in our last fight against Mambo.

Ugh, he sucks.

I know!

You go first. How's the whole Dick and Conner situation?

Starfire collapsed on her bed and stared at the ceiling.
It's easy and fun with Conner, but it's not serious. I like him, but…we're not in love. But that also means he can't hurt me as much. And I NEVER want to hurt that much again.

I get that. But…you still love Nightwing.

Kory smiled absentmindedly.
Well, yes, and he's been making it really difficult for me to stay strong since New Year…I don't know, something changed. He's been pursuing me every day. He leaves me notes with reasons why he loves me and he's been kind while I've been rude and he says he's making it up to me no matter how long it takes because I'm all he wants and that will never change. He even ate Tamaranean food.

Wow, that's…commitment.

By the way, did I thank you for killing Rouge? I know you did it for Gar, but I appreciate it.

You're welcome. And yes, I did. But also she kept using my face to hurt people I love, it pissed me off. Did you know she turned into me to torture him?

Kory's eyes glowed bright green.
That BITCH!

Yeah. Oh, is Conner mad at me for Lex?

Starfire chuckled.
Oh, no. He said he's much easier to talk to now. And Krypto seems to think Lex might be coming around.

Good. So, do you think you'll forgive Dick?

I mean…I shouldn't. Right? What he did was unforgivable, so if I forgive him, then what does that make ME?

It would make you like me, I guess. I forgave Gar.

You DID!?

I thought he'd tell you. I forgave him while he was here. He didn't ask me to, it just…happened. He's changed, you know?

I do! Oh my…Raven, that…I mean, that's AMAZING! Right? Is it? It is, isn't it?

I do feel better. And lighter.

I am SO glad, friend! Wait, do you…do you think I should forgive Richard?

I can't tell you that, that's up to you. But I don't think worrying about what forgiving him says about you is a good reason not to. Just…see if he earns your trust back. If he's not giving up, there's no rush, right?

Starfire sighed contently.
I guess. So, what did YOU want to talk about?

Gar. Rita. What happened?

Oh, Rae…it's awful. The Doom Patrol, they were fighting some bad guys and…they couldn't get to her in time…did you see it on the news?

No, he called me.

Oh. Right, of course he did.

Kor, do you…do you think he'd want me there? Like, just for right now? Do you think I would help or make it worse?

Are you kidding me!? Of COURSE he wants you here! Of COURSE it would help!

Okay, no need to yell into my head. Are you absolutely sure? Because if I show up and that hurts him further…

I'm sure. I'm very, very sure. And no one else even has to know you came. I have a plan.

Starfire had managed to drag Garfield out of his room for a snack. He barely ate, though. He just took a few miserable bites and told her he wasn't hungry."Gar, listen…" Kory whispered, squeezing his hand. "When you go back to your room…there will be someone there. Please do not freak out because she just came to see you and she doesn't want anyone else to know. I'm going out with Conner and I told him to meet me there, so he's not around to super-hear everything and you can have some privacy."The Changeling's head shot up to stare at her with swollen, wide and suspicious eyes. He was afraid to hope, because seeing Raven was
all
he wanted right now. He wanted to drown in her until the void in his chest didn't hurt this much anymore.
But…who else would it be?
He sniffed. All the crying had affected his senses, but he could definitely smell her. "Kor…are you talking about who I think you're talking about? She's here?"Starfire stared into his eyes and nodded surely. "Go."Garfield didn't waste a second, he was already on his feet and practically running to his room. He hastily opened his door and she was standing there, in casual clothes and a ponytail, nervously biting her lip. The sight itself soothed his hollow chest and he shut the door and ran to her with tears in his eyes. Raven immediately and instinctively embraced him and he sobbed into her shoulder. He collapsed on her so suddenly and heavily she actually lost balance a bit and lowered them both to the floor. Garfield buried his face in her chest and wrapped his arms tightly around her, breaking down.Her heart tightened and she thanked Azar for all the meditating she'd done before coming. The grief and sorrow pouring out of him were excruciating. The empath held him in her arms and gently stroked his hair, kissing the top of his head. "Shh, I know. I'm here."He held her tighter. She felt like Heaven to him. "S-she's dead, R-Rae."Raven fought back tears. "I know, love…I know. I'm so sorry. It isn't fair. Let it out."She was practically cradling him and he sobbed uncontrollably for several seconds."I-I couldn't s-save her either." Garfield choked. "I can't s-save anyone.""Shh that's not true." The sorcerer whispered soothingly. "You've saved so many people. You saved
me,
remember?"He scowled and sobbed at the same time, pulling away slightly. "And then I
damned
you." He desperately tried to stop crying and wipe his face. "Why are you even here? I don't deserve it. And I'll overwhelm you.""Stop it." She reached out and pulled him back into her arms. "I forgave you. And I'm okay. I want to do this for you. I can do this for you. Grieve as much as you need."That did it. Garfield broke down again and shrank into her arms."That's it. There you go." Raven whispered, stroking his hair again. "I know it's not okay now. But it will be. You're strong enough to get through this, I promise. You may not see it but I do. But you don't have to be strong yet. Not today."After a few minutes of bawling his eyes out, he finally slowed his breathing, though he was still weeping softly. "I…I got your shirt all wet…""Shh, don't worry about that." She kissed the top of his head again. "I wish you didn't have to go through this. I wish you didn't have to lose her or anyone else ever again."Garfield inhaled her scent and allowed it to ease his pain."She loved you. She still loves you. She's proud of you, wherever she is. You made her life better with your light." Raven whispered soothingly.He let out a few more strangled sobs.
Thank God she's here. She's being so sweet. It really fucking helps.
His hands urgently grabbed onto her. "Thankou so much for coming."The sorcerer's heart ached. "Of course I came. Let's go lie on your bed for a bit." When he nodded against her chest, she helped him up and they stumbled over to his bed, which Raven didn't fail to notice was no longer a bunkbed. She lay on the pillows and embraced him again, pulling the covers over them.Her scent, her warmth and her tenderness helped a lot, but every time he remembered his adoptive mom was dead, he went back to sobbing into her chest. She just kept holding him and stroking his hair in slow, reassuring moves. He sniffled. "How long will you stay?""I have some time. Don't worry.""Are you sure? What about…I mean, what's up with Klarion summoning Lucifer?""Oh, he's just giving me a hard time lately." Raven said, lazily running her fingers up and down his back. "But I sent Lucifer some magical gifts and collected a few rogue souls to save him the trouble as a gesture of goodwill. You know, to let him know I have
zero
interest in ever challenging him. And I think he's sick of Klarion, so…I don't think he will help him again."Wait, that sounds serious. Garfield straightened up to look at her with concerned eyes.
If she gets hurt, I…fuck, she CAN'T get hurt. I can't let her get hurt. Not her. Not again. "Why is Klarion giving you a hard time? Isn't he obsessed with you?"The empath reached out to gently wipe his wet cheeks. "Well, yes, but I ended our casual fling or whatever
that
was and he's not taking it well."In the back of his mind, he was happy to hear she ended things with the warlock, but mostly he was worried. Klarion was a psycho and completely convinced Raven was the only one for him, which made him really dangerous. The shapeshifter wasn't dying to find out how far he would go after being dumped. "Shit. Do you need help? I can kill him for you."Raven smiled softly as if he'd just made the sweetest offer in the world.
He doesn't need one more thing to worry about.
"Don't worry about him, I'll handle it. I don't think he'll hurt me."Garfield bit his lip, because that did
not
put his worries to rest. "Why did you end it with him?"The sorcerer shrugged. "It felt weird after…you know."His eyes widened slightly. "After we…?" When she just nodded affirmatively, he felt butterflies in his stomach. Sure, she forgave him and they had been flirting a lot and making out on secret corners but he wasn't assuming things or expecting anything. The Changeling snuggled up against her chest again and inhaled, weeping quietly. "Will you ever come home?"Raven went back to stroking his hair and bit her lip.
I want to. I really want to. I wish I could.
"I…things will never be like they were, love.""I know." Garfield sniffled and caressed the narrow portion of exposed skin on her waist."But I'm here now. I'll be here if you need me."He smiled sadly against her now soaked black turtleneck. "Could you maybe…would you be there for the funeral? I just, it will be so hard."Raven buried her face in his hair and inhaled. "Sure. I'll just disguise myself so no one recognizes me.""Thankou." Garfield was exhausted from all the crying and his eyes were aching, but he felt a little stronger. "She loved it, you know? Us."The empath frowned in surprise. "Us? As in you and me?""Yeah.""Oh. She probably saw that picture from the animal shelter. Everyone loved
that."He chuckled quietly into her shoulder. "No…I mean, yes. But also she said she'd never seen me so happy."
And she thought I deserved being happy. She was wrong about that part.Raven smiled slightly. "You talked to her about me?""Mmhmm.""That's so sweet. Was she…was she upset when we broke up?""Ah, she kept telling me to just be patient." Garfield let out a bittersweet chuckle. "I didn't have the heart to tell her it was hopeless."She smiled against his hair. "Okay, good.""She was…she was always kind to me. I had been away from kindness for so long and she-" He choked up again and wept softly. "S-sorry.""No, love…don't apologize. I told you, I want to do this for you. Don't hold back." Raven rubbed his back soothingly and held him until he cried himself to sleep in her arms. Then she slipped a big and fluffy stuffed raven plush between his arms before she left.The funeral was really difficult for Garfield. Mento was too much of a wreck to offer him or anyone else any comfort. Robotman and Negative Man both hugged him tightly and told him how much she loved him and how proud of him she was. But the hardest part was
everyone
wanted to talk to him. They wanted to give him reassuring words and sad smiles and condolences and it was all really nice, but also terrifyingly overwhelming.Raven was looking slightly different with pale human skin, dark hair and dark-blue eyes in her black dress. The Doom Patrol didn't know who she was, so Garfield just introduced her as his friend Rachel and she gave them her condolences. The Titans did know it was her and she took the chance to give them all tight hugs. She didn't talk to anyone else. She just stood by his side when they lowered the casket so he could hold her hand and then when he was finally alone, she wrapped her arms around him so he could weep into her shoulder."Thanks for being here." The Changeling whispered. "It means so much to me."The empath rubbed his back. "Of course. I got you.""And thank you for the raven plush." He pulled back to smile slightly at her.Raven returned his smile. "Yeah…Mikey gets me through difficult nights, so...I tried to think about which animal
you
would be, but…well, you're all of them. So…""No, it's perfect. It makes me think of you. I love it."Her heart skipped a beat at his truthful eyes and she struggled slightly to keep her powers under control. "I…good. I'm glad you like it."A few weeks later, the League of Assassins resurged. It turns out the more powerful you get, the more enemies you make. And the Sirens had been invading their territory and stealing allies for a while now, so they had been gathering strength and preparing on their end. The Titans had been bothering them too, mostly because Ra's al Ghul really wanted to get Damian back. But Ra's had been allies with Deathstroke and he knew exactly what he tried to do to Raven and what his fate was, so the League's leader patiently waited for an opportunity.It came with Klarion, who found in them allies powerful enough to help him accomplish his plan. He told them they didn't need to hurt Raven; all they had to do was hold the Titans hostages and she would join them in a second to protect them, and he had a plan to keep her busy so they could do just that. The warlock's only condition was that the Changeling was his. Ra's was interested. He figured threatening to kill his new friends could persuade Damian too. Besides, he'd heard the witch was fond of his grandson and he assumed he was fond of her as well, so getting her on their side could also serve that end.They attacked stealthily and without warning. Ra's was smiling wickedly as he battled a fierce young Robin on the roof of Titan Tower. "Why are you fighting who you are, Damian?""I'm not, I've embraced it." The young boy hissed. "I'm a Titan!"He charged at his grandfather again, with absolute precision in every move."You can't beat me, boy. I taught you everything you know."Robin smirked as he swiftly dodged Ra's attack, nearly making him lose balance. "Not
everything."Garfield had a terrible feeling in his gut as he elegantly switched animals, confusing and beating several highly skilled assassins. And then his communicator rang and he found out why."Hi, Changeling." The Witch Boy smiled mischievously.Klarion had Raven's communicator. Garfield's blood ran cold. "Where is she!?""Oh, I have no idea. Somewhere in the Multiverse. Definitely lost. I cast a little spell, you see."The shapeshifter tried to cover up his despair. "Why? I thought you loved her.""I do and I'd love to pull her back to reality, I would. But not until you fight me.""I'll kill you.""No, Changeling,
I'll
kill
you. And then I'll pull her back and tell her I tried my best to save you and she'll cry on my shoulder."The shapeshifter's voice got dangerously low. "Where. Are. You.""Siren Mansion. With the other half of the League of Assassins. Oh, and if she dies in there before I pull her back, that's on you. Then I'll
definitely
kill you."Garfield hung up and turned to Superboy with an urgent look in his eyes. "They're in-""Go save her! I got this." Conner just nodded confidently because he'd heard everything.The Changeling turned into Krypto for speed and into a dragon once he got there, because he wanted the warlock to see him so they could get this over with. Klarion laughed evilly, standing in front of a magical whirlwind with a severely unstable portal inside. It was obviously where Raven was and it didn't look safe at all.In Titan Tower, Nightwing, Ravager and Robin were all on the roof now, fighting elite members of the League. Talia had been keeping Rose Wilson busy. Ra's was still focused on Damian while Richard fought his other daughter, Nyssa."If you join me, I'll leave your friends alone, grandson. I'll let them live." Ra's told him in a menacing voice. "But if you don't, they'll die. One by one. I promise."That angered the young Robin to a great deal, because that was just sheer manipulation. "You'll
try.
But you'll
fail.
And I'll
never
join you again."Ra's could tell he meant it by the fire in his eyes. "Well in that case, maybe I'll kill you myself, Damian." He made sure Talia couldn't hear him. "I'd rather see you dead than as a hero."Robin quickly reacted to his grandfather's attack and smiled smugly. "Again, you'll
try."Garfield turned human and glared at Klarion with an intensity he hadn't felt since killing Adonis. "I'm here, you creep."The warlock shot him a chilling, insane grin. "I knew you'd be willing to die for her.""Oh, I am. But I won't. Not today. Bring her back.
Now." He walked decisively towards the Witch Boy."Sure you will. She can only have one champion, Changeling.""And you think that's you? But you'd let her
die
just for a chance to kill me?""Of course. If I can't have her,
you
certainly won't." He conjured dark magic in his hands."She
dumped
you, Klarion. Get over it.""She should be
mine.
She
will be,
once I finish you." His eyes glowed with magical energy."She's not
anyone's." Garfield turned into the Werebeast and charged at him.Turning into the Beast in any scenario other than protecting Raven was still tricky, but when it came to saving her, it growled and emerged naturally. Klarion didn't know about his immunity to magic, of course. She'd never told him that. None of the Titans ever told anyone about that. The warlock's eyes widened when he realized his powers did nothing to harm or slow this gigantic, furious, mighty monster. And then he was harshly tossed from one side to another.Garfield turned human again and angrily turned to the warlock grunting in pain on the floor – he definitely had a few broken bones now. The shapeshifter didn't care. He wasn't playing around this time. He grabbed him by the hair and dragged him towards the magical whirlwind while he screamed in pain. "If
she
dies,
you
die. First, you'll suffer. Then I'll find out where she is and trade your miserable soul for hers. How do I bring her back!?""No one's gonna make that trade, her soul is more valuable than mine." Klarion panted."No argument there, but I'll find a way to persuade them." The Changeling hissed menacingly.The apparently endless battle of skill on the roof of Titan Tower was exhausting. They were all so fierce they even appreciated the challenge. But then it happened. Nightwing had managed to get the upper hand over Nyssa. And then Talia struck Ravager with her sword. It would have been deadly if she didn't heal herself, but Damian forgot all about that power of hers for a second and immediately turned his head when he heard her scream. Ra's didn't waste any time. Nightwing realized the League's leader would kill his distracted brother and jumped in front of him just in time, taking the hit. Robin's eyes widened when Richard's body fell limp in his arms. Ra's took the chance to attack his grandson again, but Talia al Ghul got between them and stopped her father, shooting him a furious glare.The leader Assassin quickly composed himself and straightened up.
Maybe I got carried away. Killing him isn't the best move. "Like I said, grandson, they'll die. One by one. Think about it."And just like that, Ra's al Ghul left, being closely followed by his daughters.Rose was already kneeled down next to Damian, staring at Dick with wide eyes and grabbing her communicator. "Starfire!?"Raven had been pulled and pushed from one reality to another at random she wasn't sure for how long or why. It was the most annoying spell anyone had ever conceived and she was absolutely livid. She couldn't center to find a way out because the world around her kept changing entirely within seconds. Some of them were really weird or even disturbing, others were downright dangerous. Bizarro world was particularly aggravating. Still, the worst part was how disorienting it all was. And then she was hit by a wave of anguish that made her falter and grab her chest. She knew what it meant. One of her friends was dying.
I need to go back.Starfire pulled Dick's head into her lap and sobbed. Damian had been urgently trying to ring Raven and ask her for help, but she wasn't answering. The Tamaranean tried to stop the bleeding, but Richard's lips were turning paler and she was getting desperate."Kor…listen…" Nightwing said in between short, sharp breaths.Kory shook her head and cried, her heart tight and broken. "N-no, stop. You'll be fine. Rae will save you." She looked up at Damian with fearful eyes to see him look just as scared as her."Shit, what happened!?" Cyborg ran in and started scanning Richard's body.Ravager looked up at him. "Ra's tried to kill Damian and Dick got in the way."Robin grunted and cried in frustration. "Fuck! Where the fuck
IS
she!?"Rose frowned. "She's probably in trouble…"Superboy hurriedly landed on the roof as soon as the rest of their attackers retreated. "The League attacked the Sirens too. Garfield flew there to help her. Call
him!"Starfire was in absolute agony at this point. She stroked Dick's hair on her lap. "It's okay. She probably just lost her communicator in the fight. They'll be here soon.""Okay, b-but listen anyway…" Richard looked up at her. He was having an extremely hard time breathing. "I love you, Starfire. So much.""I know." The alien princess cried compulsively. "I love you too. But please stay with me. I forgive you, just stay with me. Don't leave me, please."Nightwing smiled weakly. "I'll try, babe.""I'm not helping you play the fucking
hero
for her." Klarion glared at the Changeling. "I'd rather let her die."Garfield's eyes got so dark and dangerous they made the warlock flinch. His right foot turned into a gorilla's and he stepped on Klarion's already broken leg, making it snap entirely and exposing the bone. The warlock let out a chilling scream. "I'm not fucking joking." The shapeshifter's low, menacing voice warned as he changed his arm into a sharp alien claw and pierced Klarion's shoulder, pinning him to the floor. Another loud and painful scream escaped the villain's throat. "How do I bring her back?" He grew a tail and wrapped it around the warlock's neck, strangling him until he turned purple and then releasing him. "Now."The Changeling's communicator rang. He sustained his intense glare on the Witch Boy and answered it. "Damian? I'm busy.""Garfield, we need Raven." Robin said urgently. "Like, NOW.""On it." The shapeshifter hung up and stepped on Klarion's back with a giant foot, pressing him down on the floor and nearly crushing him. "Well?"The warlock panted and feared for his life. Not just for his life, in fact. For his physical integrity. The Changeling's eyes and voice at the moment made him absolutely sure he would be slowly tortured and dismantled for years if Raven didn't come back. "The…the words…" His voice came out all strangled. "The book…read the words…"Garfield followed his gaze to an old magic book tossed on the side. He let go of the warlock and ran for it. It opened to a specific page where Latin words glowed brightly and he read them out loud a few times before getting the pronunciation right. Listening to Raven speaking Latin so much definitely helped. The unstable portal shook and he ran to it. Klarion gathered enough strength to disappear in a smoke cloud. The Changeling decided to care about that later, because Raven's ashen hand emerged from the flickering portal. He instinctively grabbed it and pulled her out so eagerly he fell on his back, collapsing on the floor with her on top of him. They stared at each other and panted as the portal closed and the whirlwind ceased.Raven frowned in confusion and grabbed her aching head. "Am I back?"She looks distraught. Garfield held her face in his hands and examined it. "Yes. Are you hurt?"The Sirens had managed the League of Assassins on their side too, with a few casualties amongst the HIVE. Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn came running in to see the empath lying on top of the Changeling."Where have you
been!?" Harley grunted loudly, covered in blood. "Making out!?""Traveling the Multiverse." Raven answered, still looking into the shapeshifter's worried eyes while she waited for her head to stop spinning."It was Klarion. He cast a spell." Garfield told her.Of course it was. The sorcerer closed her eyes and swallowed. "I'll kill him.""That fucking
traitor!" Harley shouted.Raven pulled away from him, because being transported between realities at that speed took a toll on a human – or half-human – body. She felt nauseated and still slightly dizzy, so she got as far away from him as she could, grabbed onto her stomach and puked."Ew." Ivy frowned.Garfield rushed to the empath's side and gently touched her back. "Rae, I'm so sorry to ask right now, but…the Titans need you.""I know." She inhaled deeply. "Someone got hurt."They were still desperately trying to stop the bleeding and feeling more hopeless by the minute. Every Titan was on the roof now, either holding their breath or crying. Koriand'r leaned down and kissed Nightwing deeply, sobbing against his lips. Damian had Bruce Wayne on the phone as silent tears rolled down his cheeks.Richard looked at him. "I love you, little brother. T-take care of them."A dark energy bird appeared beside them, revealing the shapeshifter and the person who could possibly stop this tragedy. All eyes were on her now.Starfire's face filled with hope. "RAVEN!"She waited until her blurred vision cleared enough for her to understand what was happening.
Fuck. It's Dick. He'd lost a lot of blood. Not as much as Garfield had when they fought Darkseid, because this wound was made by a sword and not giant claws. Still, he was pale and his eyelids were closing because he was losing consciousness. The biggest problem though was that it had pierced his right lung. That would be difficult to fix.
But it's Dick. Just power through.
She stumbled over to Nightwing and kneeled next to him.The Changeling squatted down beside her, watching her intently. He didn't want her to do this. He knew she was in no shape. But if she didn't, Richard would die. He frowned at the others. "Has anyone called 911? What about the infirmary?""I called them. And he would need a hospital." Cyborg nodded. "But…""He doesn't have that long." Raven whispered. And then she stretched her arms over Dick's wound and her hands glowed white. It was painful.
Extremely
painful. She didn't just frown, her entire face twisted in pain and she actually screamed.Starfire watched her with horrified eyes. The empath was clearly struggling. But Dick was dying. And she felt completely powerless to help either of them.Raven found herself losing consciousness and needing to stop multiple times before she accepted the fact she didn't have the power to save him at the moment. Klarion's spell worn her out and this required complete focus. So she started weeping and panting, feeling absolutely defeated. One of her best friends was dying and she couldn't save him. "I…I can't…"Garfield gently touched her shoulder. "It's okay…"Her eyes widened as Richard's eyes closed. He was gasping for air in a way she knew would stop soon because he wouldn't breathe at all anymore.
It's not okay. It's your fault. You left them. You should have been here.
She wasn't used to failing. It was slowly crushing her.Starfire sobbed again and everyone else cried with her this time. She gently shook the boy in her arms. "N-no, Dick…please…"Robin cried on Ravager's shoulder and she instantly held him. Garfield had been crying over Richard too, but worriedly watching Raven at the same time. It broke his heart, because she was helplessly staring at her own trembling hands as if they'd never done anything right. As if they hadn't saved countless lives and healed countless wounds. He knew that look – not on her, but on him. It was shame. She was feeling like a failure. She was feeling worthless.The empath looked at Nightwing again and despair filled her eyes.
How can you just let him die? How can you not fix this? You weak, useless, evil thing.
And then her self-loathing was suddenly interrupted when she was pulled into a warm and caring hug. The Changeling wrapped his arms around her protectively and stroked her hair, making her look away from the awful scene in front of them. Raven sobbed into his chest and he held her tighter and even more tenderly. He didn't need to say anything. It meant
this isn't your fault and I love you.And then she realized not a single person there resented her. All they felt towards her was love and concern. Mostly they were emanating grief towards Nightwing.
Nightwing. He gave her a family, a purpose. He was the first person to understand her. Her kindred spirit. Starfire's love. Damian's brother.
Starfire. Her best friend.
Damian. Her little brother. Her breathing slowed down and her mind cleared. The pair of arms around her. It made her feel safe.
Garfield.
The love of her life. Images of the Titans crossed her mind and she focused on every happy memory and positive emotion she had inside her.
I found it. It's still there.The Changeling frowned in confusion when white glow emerged from the girl in his arms. And then his eyes widened in shock, because her hair started turning white. "Rae!?"She gently pushed him away and turned to Nightwing again, her hair completely turned and eyes glowing white, arms confidently stretched out. Everyone emanated a delicious mixture of hope and shock as she repaired the damage to his lung and closed his open wound with great difficulty. She passed out as soon as she was done, collapsing on Garfield's quick arms.Raven grunted and frowned, then attempted to open her eyes. Her vision was blurry again and her head felt heavy. She could tell there were several people hovering over her. "What…?""Ravey! She's
awake!" Harley Quinn clapped excitedly."She
is!?" Ravager asked."Oh, thank God." Cyborg exhaled."We were
so
worried!" Starfire exclaimed."You scared us, prophecy child." Catwoman said breezily."Guys, let her breathe." Nightwing ordered, pushing people out of the way. "Raven. Can you hear me?"Richard. He's alive. I did it.
She focused on him until her vision cleared.
I'm on a couch. I'm…I'm in the ops room. "Y-yeah…I…you're okay."Dick smiled at her. "Thanks to you." And then he frowned. "Oh, Raven. Your eyes…""What about her eyes!?" Garfield asked urgently, rushing to Dick's side. His own eyes widened as soon as he saw her face, but then he smiled lovingly. "Oh…"The empath sat up slowly and rubbed her head. "What about my eyes?""They're, uh…different." Nightwing said with a light chuckle."Here." The Changeling merrily handed her his phone so she could see for herself. He was relieved enough to see her wake up, but
this
was making his heart flutter.Raven looked at herself and exhaled loudly. Her eyes were now a strange mixture of scarlet and violet twirling around each other, like a whirlwind of color. It made her look even weirder, but for some reason, it gave her a warm and fuzzy feeling inside. Her hair was purple as usual. She wasn't even sure it
had
turned white. "Did I…did I use white magic?""You did." Starfire said through watery eyes, sitting on Dick's lap. "Thank you
somuch.""How did you do that?" Superboy asked. "I thought you couldn't do that anymore.""I…wait, how are you
this
okay already?" Raven narrowed her eyes at Richard, who was now smiling hugely at Kory on his lap. "You lost so much blood…"Dick looked concerned again. "Raven…you've been out for hours.""I have!?" She looked around and saw Poison Ivy, Catwoman and Harley Quinn. "Why is everyone here? Who even stabbed Nightwing?" Then she looked at Starfire and Richard. "Are you two back together?" Then she turned to Garfield. "Where is Klarion?""Shit, what
do
you know?" Rose chuckled.Raven rolled her shoulders back. "I was in Siren Mansion and then suddenly I was being tossed around from one weird world to another by force.""I can't
believe
that warlock loser." Ivy said pointedly. "See, this is why I kill men.""She has a point there." Ravager said to Robin, who responded with an amused smirk."Okay, Raven? Take a deep breath." Nightwing smiled reassuringly. "The League of Assassins attacked us
and
you. Klarion cast that spell to keep you out of the fight. Ra's al Ghul stabbed me. Garfield pulled you out of your Multiverse trip and you accessed white magic to save me. And then I asked the Sirens to come in and suggested a truce until we've handled this League of Assassins situation. And we've been waiting for you to wake up."The empath nodded slowly, taking it all in. "Okay…well, yes. A truce sounds smart.""Oh and yes, Kor and I made up in the meantime." Richard's smile widened."You were right, watching them die changes
everything." Starfire said with serious eyes.Raven shot the Changeling a quick glance and they both blushed. The sorcerer cleared her throat. "Ah…yes." She smiled at the couple in front of her. "Well, I'm happy for you.""Are you hungry?" Garfield asked her intently."I…yes, actually."The shapeshifter immediately went to get her something to eat and she dismissed the excessive attention she was getting, making everyone scatter around the room in no time. Then Raven stared at Damian, who came in and sat down next to her."How are you?" The empath whispered to him. If it was the League of Assassins, this had to be difficult for him."I…well, I'm not great. Dick took that stabbing to save me, you know? My grandfather was trying to recruit me back and when I said no he tried to kill me and I…I got distracted.""That's happened to all of us." Raven elbowed him lightly. "The getting distracted part, I mean. And hey, Dick is okay."Robin gave her a heartfelt, genuine smile. "Thank you for that, by the way. I meant to thank you for my dad too. So…thank you for my spine, my dad and my brother, I guess." He chuckled. "I'm gonna owe you like, forever.""You owe me nothing, Damian." The sorcerer said truthfully. "None of you do, but
especially
you. You gave me hope. Just because I didn't get to go, that doesn't mean I forgot."His smile widened. "Well, I…" He trailed off because Garfield came back with her food and he knew they probably wanted to be alone. "See you later, Doomsday. Thanks again."She smiled at him while he left to go talk to Ravager and Harley Quinn and then she gratefully took the bowl of food from the Changeling and started eating. She really
was
hungry.Garfield beamed at her. She was eating a lot faster than usual, but it was still graceful somehow. "Your eyes look pretty."Raven swallowed her food and frowned. "You mean weird.""I mean pretty."The empath chuckled softly. "If you say so." Then she looked into his eyes. "So…why did Klarion do that? Why would he help the League of Assassins? What was his angle? And how did you find me? Also, thank you."Garfield's smile grew wider at that last bit, but then he thought of Klarion and scoffed. "He wanted to kill me. And then he would bring you back and pretend he saved you and tried to save me then offer you a shoulder to cry on. I'm guessing the League probably helped him."Raven's wrath turned around uncomfortably in her guts. "He tried to kill you?""Yeah, he called me out. He didn't count on the Beast, though." He grinned smugly at her.She smiled slightly. "Of course he didn't. So…is he…you know…alive?"Garfield grunted. "Yeah. I beat the crap out of him, but then he escaped while I was bringing you back."The empath looked amused. "Wish I'd seen that. But…you saved me. Again."The shapeshifter's heart skipped a beat. He knew she was directly referring to when he said he couldn't save anyone. "Well, I…""You did. I was lost in between worlds and you opened the door and pulled me out by the hand." Raven said softly, looking at him with wide sincere eyes. "Thank you."Her eyes trapped him and her words gave him wild butterflies. Garfield smiled at her. "I…I'll always rescue you too, right?"She nodded then rolled her eyes playfully as she whispered. "My hero."That gave him way more butterflies. He smiled idiotically and gigantically at her amused face until she released him by looking away and going back to her meal. Once Raven got her strength back and hugged Starfire while they whispered secretively to each other and giggled, the Sirens went back to Siren Mansion. Garfield went to sleep with his raven plush clutched to his chest and a twinge of that childish joy he hadn't felt in a long time.

One More Night (Maroon 5)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

A few days after the League of Assassins' attack, the Titans got to take a night off to go to a gala event. The Titans East came in for this and they got all dressed up for the red carpet. The Changeling was really excited, because they hadn't done something like this in a while."So…Kory and Dick are back together." Bumblebee pointed out as casually as she could.Conner looked up from where he was lazily leaned back on the couch, already in his tux. "Well, yeah. I saw it coming, too. It's all good.""Really?""Yeah." Superboy shrugged. "Don't get me wrong, I was having a lot of fun. But I don't want a relationship. And they're kinda perfect together, actually.""So who are you hitting on now?" Wally raised an eyebrow.Conner sighed. "That's the problem with these Titan chicks. They don't stay single. Maybe I'll hit Barbara up again, that was fun."Garfield continued playing video games with Cyborg, but he was listening intently to see if Conner or Aqualad would mention Raven. Not that he could do anything about it if they did. He wasn't her boyfriend. But still, he was relieved when they didn't."Okay, we are ready for the partying!" Starfire flew in, looking radiant and twirling in the air in her green and black long dress. Jinx and Terra came up behind her and Richard followed, smiling fondly at the alien princess."Finally." Speedy exhaled. And then he grinned at Terra when she glared a little. "So worth the wait, though. You look
hot.""Yes, we all look beautiful." Cyborg put an arm around Bumblebee and smiled at her in a way that meant
especially you.
"Can we go now? I'm starving!"The Changeling wasn't sure what was wrong once they got there. Everything was perfect. He should be happy. He got more attention than ever from the press and several beautiful women came to talk to him – sure, two of them just wanted to be introduced to Conner, but most of them actually flirted with him. Also, he looked good in his black suit and he knew it. He had mostly embraced his unusual looks by now.The fact that he was taller, hotter, more confident, and that his powers were more impressive than ever made everyone want to talk to him. Not to mention he was single, and still getting a lot of sympathy points for his last relationship. He shut down anyone who had anything rude to say about Raven by telling them they shouldn't talk about what they don't know, but most girls were clever enough to simply offer support and praise his looks or skills instead.Everything was exactly like he always wanted, but it all felt…empty. He thought about their last event of this magnitude. He was a scrawny, terribly awkward and insecure boy back then, and he would have given anything for this kind of attention. But that night had been so much more fun than this. He had smiled so much more. That was the night he realized he liked Raven. He'd ordered her a drink and freaked out when guys hit on her and lied about being sick to cover up his feelings. She'd made jokes and said nice things to him and looked mind-blowingly beautiful. She'd spent her entire night with him and then taken him home for even more fun playing video games and talking nonsense. His heart ached at the memory. He missed her so much. He hadn't seen her in days. The Sirens had been laying low since they called a truce."Can I get a Moscow Mule, please?" Garfield asked the bartender, trying to escape the crowd for a bit.
Of course this sucks compared to that. SHE'S not here.He took the drink and sipped it. And then he smiled. That was Raven's drink.
It's good. Of course it's good.
The shapeshifter sighed and leaned on the counter tiredly, drinking his Moscow Mule while he glanced around at the beautiful people partying glamorously.
This feels pointless without her. Maybe I could go home with someone tonight. It can't hurt. Maybe just this once. I just miss her so much it burns. Maybe..."Oh…why you look so sad?"Oh, shit.
Garfield's body stiffened and his heart skipped a beat because
I'll Stand by You
was playing. It was their first song. His first serenades, their goofy dance on the rooftop, the song she sang to bring him back to light when the Beast was out of control. And he hadn't listened to it in a while. The words felt like a knife twisting inside his heart. His eyes weren't focused on anything as he stared straight ahead and listened, but his mind was everywhere.
What the fuck am I doing here? I don't want to be here. I want to be with her. The Changeling loosened his tie and unbuttoned the first few buttons of his white shirt, because he felt a little suffocated. And then he frowned, deep in thought, as he realized several things.He realized he didn't care that much about labels, or about what they called each other or even about whether she loved him or not. He cared about not seeing her in days. Not seeing her face, making her laugh, hearing her voice, smelling her scent, teasing her or simply being around her. He realized he wasn't okay with that. Secret make-out sessions on dark corners, flirtatious teasing or even exchanging a few romantic words when they rescued each other weren't enough. He realized he didn't need anything from her other than her being Raven. He would gladly give it all up for her happiness, but she
wasn't
in the Sixth Dimension. She was
right there
in the outskirts of Jump City. And he was miserably enduring this meaningless night without her.
Well, that's just stupid."Dude, where are you going!?" Cyborg asked his best friend when the shapeshifter walked by him hurriedly and decisively."Where I need to be!" Garfield yelled excitedly without stopping, and then he rushed to a certain enchantress, leaving a confused half-robot behind."Jinx!" The shapeshifter jumped in front of her.The pink-haired girl was definitely startled and even spilled her drink, grunting in annoyance. "What the fuck, Changeling?""You can teleport, right? Like, you could teleport me somewhere else? Because I really, really need to be somewhere else tonight."Jinx frowned. "I…well, I could, but…not that precisely yet. I mean, I'm working on-""Just send me back to Jump City. Please." Garfield said intently.She stared at him questioningly for a few seconds, but for some reason he seemed really serious about this, so she shrugged. "Fine…let's go somewhere quieter."The enchantress sent him downtown, which wasn't that close to Siren Mansion, but it didn't matter, because he was hyped and ready. He would run all the way there if he had to. In fact, that was exactly what he did. Garfield thought about turning into something faster, but his formal wear would be ripped and then he would get there naked, which seemed a little distasteful for what he was trying to do. So he ran on his human feet, as fast as he could, as if every second counted. And then it started raining.
Of course. Perfect.Raven had been particularly blue that night. She knew the Titans were out at some big fancy event and her heart just felt a little tight. She wanted to be with them. She wanted to release everyone she'd enslaved and be a hero again. That part of her had been meaning to awaken ever since she regained access to white magic. She was grateful for the truce, because she didn't really have it in her to commit any more crimes. The problem was, she was still scared to be alone. Her heart was still bruised and the Sirens weren't the Titans, but they were
some
kind of dysfunctional family. If she left them, where would she go?The empath knew she couldn't go back to Titan Tower no matter how much she wanted to, because seeing him every day would crush her. She went to her room and glanced at the picture of them on the rollercoaster. Then she randomly thought about him licking ice cream off her face after defending her at that church. She smiled sadly and placed the picture back inside the box. The sorcerer knew their relationship messed her up, but there were parts of it she missed. She missed being close to him. She missed seeing him every day. She missed his carefree laughter. But she wasn't willing to give him what he-Wait…is that him?!
Raven frowned because her thoughts had been suddenly interrupted by a familiar aura.
That makes no sense. It can't be can't be around. He's at the party. Besides, I'm in Siren Mansion. Why would he come here and-"Uh…Raven?" Selina called outside her door. "I think you need to see this."The sorcerer headed downstairs where Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy were whispering to each other. When they saw the Changeling at the gate, waving sheepishly to the security camera, they thought he'd gone insane. They deactivated all the traps to let him in because of their truce and the fact that he was completely alone, but they were still a little suspicious. The villains figured maybe something happened with the League of Assassins, but they were mostly wondering why on Earth he would risk coming in alone instead of just calling Raven on that Titan thingy they had. Besides, he wasn't even wearing his uniform."Ah…I think there's someone at the door for you." Ivy smirked at the empath.Raven looked even more confused as she floated towards the door and opened it at once. And then her heart stopped. Sure, she had sensed him. But she didn't expect to see him standing outside her door, soaking wet and breathing heavily as if he'd just run there, staring at her with vulnerable eyes and looking so absolutely
hot
with his tie undone, a few open buttons on his white shirt, and an unbuttoned black suit. The black and white contrasted so nicely with his shade of green and the whole thing was just so flattering on his body it was distracting.And then there were his feelings. He wasn't there to deliver bad news or ask for help, because all her powers captured was deep, undying affection. And a little nervousness. It was like some scene out of a cheesy rom-com movie, which she wouldn't normally like, but this one got to her. Her heart raced wildly and she took a sudden, sharp intake of breath."I didn't mean for it to be this corny." He smiled and pointed at the sky. "I didn't plan the rain."Raven's lips parted, but no sound came out.
What is even happening right now?The Changeling put his hands up in the air while staring at the other Sirens behind her, who were eyeing him suspiciously. "Don't worry, I'm surrendering.""Why would you do that?" Ivy asked.Harley and Catwoman weren't as confused, as they had a feeling they already knew what this was. And it showed on their amused faces.He looked directly into Raven's surprised eyes again. "I need to talk to you. Can I come in?"The empath realized rain was still pouring over his head and took a step backwards so he could come inside. She found her voice again. "What are you…weren't you at some party…? Also, did you
run
here?"Garfield stepped inside and smiled at her. "Yes, and yes. Well, Jinx teleported me downtown.
Then
I ran here."Raven was still considerably confused. "Okay…but why did-""Whatever your terms are, I'm fine with them." He blurted out.She tilted her head a little to the side. "Huh?"God, she's so cute. The Changeling took a deep breath and reached out to take her hands in his. He smiled wider when she let him. "I'm tired of being away from you. I'm so done with that. I know I should have let you go before, but I…well, I can't change that. But I'm here now and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to make it up to you if you let me, so please let me."Oh, shit. Raven frowned in absolute distress. "Gar, I can't…I can't give you what you want.""No, wait. Please let me finish. Rae, all I want is to be around you. I don't care on what terms, I really don't. I'll be your friend, your lover, your prisoner, whatever you want. I'll be a freaking Siren if that's what it takes." He chuckled and took a step closer to her, still looking into her wide eyes. He wasn't worried about offering any of it. He knew her heart, and he knew it was good. He wasn't scared to make promises to stand by her, because there was no doubt in his mind she would eventually turn back once she was ready. And he wanted to help her get there.
"Whatever your terms are, I'm okay with them. More than okay. The only thing I'm not okay with is not having you in my life anymore. You're my best friend. I'm sick of waiting for trouble just so I can see you. So…whatever you want, as long as you're in my life again.""Awweee that is so swee-AHH!" Harley yelped and jumped along with the others when several beverage bottles exploded by the bar and the books flew out of the shelves. Then she giggled knowingly.Raven was absolutely sure her eyes had never been this huge. She was also sure that if she were anyone but herself she would have just jumped on him and kissed him senseless. And then she felt deficient and insufficient for a second, because he was pouring his heart out and she was still emotionally crippled and she always would be. But then she remembered that he could have had someone else. Someone open and fun.
He doesn't want anyone else. He wants me. And he's making it so easy for me. And he meant every word of that."Jeez, Raven. Say
something!" Catwoman urged her in utter agony.The empath realized he was still staring at her expectantly, but he wasn't as nervous. He knew she liked it. He knew her well enough to know that. But Selina was right; she did need to say something, so she cleared her throat. "I…I missed you so much."The Changeling's heart fluttered freely and his smile turned into a blissful grin. He closed the distance between them and cradled her face. Her cheeks were warm and pink against his wet, cold hands, but she didn't even flinch. "You don't need to know what you want yet, just know that when you decide I'll be okay with it. And can I stay here? Please? I'll sleep on the couch if you want; I'll sleep in a freaking cell. I just want to see you in the morning."Raven kept looking up into his eyes and struggling to keep her powers under control.
Why is he so fucking perfect?
"O-okay. I mean…no cell. Or couch. I…I want to talk in private."She wants to talk in private. Garfield's grin got huge and a little greedy. He chuckled when Harley whistled and the empath closed her eyes and grunted, clearly annoyed at it. Then he reluctantly let go of her face. "That sounds perfect."She walked past her amused teammates, shooting them a warning look to not tease her further while she pulled him by the hand towards her room. Once they were alone, the sorcerer turned to stare intently at him. "I…I don't know what the terms are yet. But I…I really want to kiss you right now. Would that be okay?"His heart pounded in his ears and his chest ached deliciously.
Holy shit she's gonna kiss me.
"That would be
more
than okay."Raven smiled slightly and stepped closer to him, touching his suit and blushing as she looked him up and down. "It's your fault for showing up at my door all wet and handsome like this."The shapeshifter looked down at his body then back up at her with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.
Wait, she just called you handsome! Charm her. NOW, GO!
He smiled. "Well, that…I…uh…" His smile fell a little.
Great. Very smooth, Garfield.She giggled and placed her hands on his neck, pulling his face close and kissing him deeply.The Changeling smiled into the kiss.
Well, I guess that worked. When she separated their lips, he shot her a cheeky, flirty grin. "You think I look handsome?"Raven grabbed the ends of his tie to pull him closer. "Very
handsome."Garfield felt his stomach flutter with butterflies. She could still make him feel like a teenager. "Yeah? I don't think you've ever used that word for me before.""I haven't?" The empath smiled sensually at him. She could sense how much he loved it. "Well, that's not right. You're
very
handsome." She gave him a quick, sweet peck on the lips. "And
hot." One more soft kiss and she brought her hands to his hair. "And
sexy." Another peck. The more she could sense his pride and blissfulness swelling, the more she wanted to go on, even though her powers made all the candles in her room light up. "In fact, it makes me feel a little jealous to think you were looking like
this
at some party." She traced his jawline with wet kisses all the way up to his pointy ear, and then she whispered in it. "Heartthrob."At this point, Garfield's face was hurting from smiling so wide, but he couldn't care less. His heart was soaring and burning with passion.
She called me a heartthrob! Shit! I…I need to wear this more often. He moaned when she kissed the tip of his ear. "Oh God,
Rae…"The candles flickered wildly and she pulled away, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
Ugh. My fucking powers."Did you really just say all that to me?"Raven opened her eyes to see Garfield beaming at her like he didn't have a care in the world and she smiled softly. "I did and I meant every word."The shapeshifter tried to contain his excitement. "Can you even sense how happy I am right now? Cause I'm like…ecstatic. Seriously, I ran like ten scenarios in my head running here and
none
of them were
this
awesome."She pulled him close by his tie again and kissed him slowly and sweetly this time. "I can." She whispered. "It's why I haven't turned my powers off yet. I like sensing your happiness."The Changeling wrapped his arms firmly around her waist and buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her scent.Raven giggled softly, because it tickled a little. "Gar?""Mmm?"
Yes, my love?"I…I think I trust you."Garfield pulled back to look at her with grateful, wide eyes. "You don't have to know it tonight. I'll earn your trust back, no matter how long it takes. I promise. You're safe with me."That made her smile affectionately at him.
I'm safe with him. I do feel safe with him. But I got so hurt before…but…he's different now.
Raven breezily played with his wet hair. "Because I'm the exclusive ruler of your heart?" She chuckled when she saw his huge eyes and sensed his astonishment and embarrassment. "Yes, I heard you."Oh, fuck.
"You
did!?" He squeaked. "What…what else did you hear?""Mmm…just something about you being completely, helplessly and deeply in love with me, I think." She tilted her head and bit her lip to fight back an amused smile. "General stuff about missing me every day and never being that happy again and all that…oh, and I definitely heard you claiming to be entirely devoted to me."The Changeling had turned red at this point. "So…basically everything."Raven shrugged cutely. "Basically."He looked away awkwardly.
Okay, so…she knows. Well, at least she's not uncomfortable or freaked out. She still kissed me and said I'm hot and stuff, so she's cool with it. I deserve to be uncomfortable and embarrassed anyway."There's no reason to be embarrassed." She whispered. When he looked into her eyes again, Raven smiled at him. "It's been replaying in my head ever since and…well, I liked it.""You did?"
Does that mean she still loves me too? Or is she just really flattered?"Mhmm." Her eyes were seductive as she slowly removed his suit, dropping it on the floor.Garfield swallowed. "I just…I wasn't sure you'd want to know since…well, just know that if you don't love me like that anymore that's okay, like I said I just want you in my life.""I got that." The empath whispered while she pulled his tie and dropped it on the floor as well, with that same lustful look on her face. "But it made me feel safe.""Oh."
Just give her all the cards. You hurt her so much, it's the least you can do. "Well, in that case…you
should
feel safe. I'll tell you again. I'll tell you every day if you want." She giggled and he unbuttoned his shirt, feeling encouraged. "Because I do, Rae. I love you. I love all of you. I know I said it before but then I couldn't love the part of you that chose freedom over me. I know that, but I…I do now. I finally really do love
all
of you."A few lightbulbs exploded. Raven stared into his eyes and she knew her own eyes were teary now. "I…I don't want to turn off my powers tonight. I want to keep sensing you.""Okay." The shapeshifter nodded and smiled. "That's okay; we can just hang out or cuddle. Whatever you want.""Well, I…do you remember our first times?"Oh…wait. "Y-yes.""I…that was different for me. It felt nice to have my powers…""Do you…do you wanna
go somewhere?" Garfield's eyes got huge."Would you want to go with me?"He chuckled light-heartedly. "Is that a serious question? I'd follow you
anywhere."Raven smiled and pulled away to go get something from a hidden drawer. It was the amulet she'd made for him when they were in X-Men Mansion. Then she gently placed it around his neck while he beamed. "I really thought you'd try to steal this when you were prisoner here.""Nope. I'll never betray you again.
Ever." Garfield said devotedly.She gave him another sweet kiss and exploded a few more lightbulbs. And then the sorcerer opened a portal to a relatively close Earth that had been completely destroyed. Everything there had been extinct for hundreds of years.
Perfect. She performed an enchantment so that she could breathe in this wrecked world's atmosphere and when she went to do the same for him, Raven realized he was breathing normally.The shapeshifter smiled at her amazed face. "Some creatures can breathe anywhere. I just changed my lungs."The empath's eyes widened.
That's kinda hot.
She eagerly pushed him to the floor, straddling his lap and kissing him passionately. He helped her out of her clothes and she gently pushed him until he was lying on his back, getting on top of him and kissing down his neck and chest, muttering against his skin. "So you left the red carpet to run and knock on my door?"The Changeling moaned and tangled his fingers in her hair. He felt like his entire body was burning with desire. "Y-yes. All I could think about was you.""I was thinking about you, too. I'm so glad you did this." Now waves of destructive power poured out of her freely, but she didn't care. She was aching for him.Raven planted sweet, wet kisses up his chest and arms, sending chills down his spine and making his chest swell with bliss until she reached his lips again, then she kissed him hungrily, biting lightly on his bottom lip. Garfield smiled into the kiss and lovingly caressed her hair, her cheeks and her neck as she removed his pants. They made love under a starry night sky. Slow, romantic, deliciously
intimate
love.The empath felt wonderful, because his joy, love and lust kept feeding her and mixing with her own in an amazing whirlwind of passion and tenderness. Garfield was a hundred percent sure there wasn't a single soul in the whole Multiverse happier than him at the moment, because she touched him with so much affection he felt like his heart would burst. Waves of power continued to cross the entire length of the planet as if they meant to devour it, but that didn't scare them. In fact, they both felt completely safe.They woke up intertwined with each other. She had an arm over his chest and the other under his neck, with lazy fingers still touching his hair. He had one arm wrapped around her waist and his other hand was resting on her thigh, which was on his stomach. She was nuzzling the crook of his neck and his head was slightly turned towards her. Garfield woke up first, feeling eternally grateful, blessed and peaceful, because waking up with her like this had been beyond his wildest dreams for a while now. He gently caressed her waist and thigh, relishing in how smooth her skin was while kissing her forehead.Raven smiled slightly after waking up to his tender, soft touches. "Mmm.""Morning, ruler of my heart." He whispered, smiling into her hair.She chuckled so softly that if he hadn't been holding her he wouldn't have known.The empath started playfully rubbing her feet against his. "Mmm…morning."The Changeling pulled back slightly to look at her and realized her eyes were still closed. He gently rubbed his thumb up her nose, over her eyebrow, cheek and lips, just captivated by the shapes and textures.Raven's lazy smile grew a little wider. "Watcha doing?""Worshipping you." Garfield answered playfully, but truthfully. "Remember? It's what one does if one is lucky enough to wake up next to a Goddess."If there had been lightbulbs around, they would have exploded for sure. She slowly opened her eyes to see him staring lovingly at her while running his thumb over her bottom lip. And then his eyes widened and her powers captured an absurd level of joy and relief.Raven eyed him suspiciously. "What?""Your…your eyes, love." Garfield said incredulously, already beaming. "They're violet."She gasped quietly. "They
are?""Yes." His eyes glistened with emotion. "Just like they used to be."The empath gave him a heartfelt smile. "Well, that makes sense. Last night was…""Transcendental!" Garfield exclaimed excitedly."You really like using that word for sex, huh?""Only with you."Raven blushed and rolled her eyes. "I was
going
to say special. But sure."Garfield chuckled freely and kissed her happily again. Then his face became a little serious. "I'm still okay with whatever your terms are, Rae. I promise. I meant that."She bit her lip, lazily playing with his messy hair. "What if they include never doing this again?"He nodded without hesitation. "Yeah, of course. I'm fine with that. I know I've said this before and then I…but this time I mean it. This is so much more than I expected already. I told you, I just want you in my life again."Raven sensed sincerity in every word and it made her heart full, so she smiled softly and went back to rubbing his feet with hers. "Okay. Let's just stay here a few more minutes."Garfield smiled and stroked her hair. "Hey, Rae?""Yeah?""I promise I'll never be selfish with you again."She sighed and rolled her eyes. "Again with the promises you can't keep. That's impossible. You're human, humans are selfish sometimes."The shapeshifter chuckled slightly. "Okay, smart-ass. Then…if I ever start acting selfish with you again, just tell me to get my shit together and I will. I promise."This time Raven lifted her head to smile up at him. "Now
that's
a nice promise."He grinned brightly at her and they stayed like that for a few more minutes, enjoying each other's warmth and inhaling each other's scent until the empath finally moved to sit up."So, I…I think I want to go home. To the Titans, I mean." She said softly, staring at the horizon.Garfield felt happy tears in his eyes. "Rae, that's
amazing!
I can't even-""But Gar, I…I don't want to be your girlfriend."Yeah, I figured.
"That's okay.""Well, not just yours. I don't want to be
a
girlfriend, actually. It's just…I got so…I never want to feel that out of control again." Raven shot him an apologetic look.The Changeling smiled lovingly at her. "You don't need to explain, Rae. You want to go back to being friends, right? I mean, I hope you'll let me be your friend. I might accidentally flirt with you sometimes until I'm used to it, so I apologize in advance for that but-""Can we just…" She interrupted him. "Can we maybe just be Gar and Rae? I really don't see the point in denying how we feel about each other or pretending we don't know…can we just be friends and fight the forces of evil together and give each other a hard time and protect each other and…well, if we sometimes find our way to each other's rooms in the middle of the night, I don't see the problem in that. Is that possible?"Garfield held his breath as he allowed her words to sink in.
Is she serious? That's a sweet deal. Like, beyond-my-wildest-dreams sweet.
He grinned a blissful, enormous, toothy grin. "That sounds
perfect,
actually."Oh, thank Azar. Raven finally smiled at him again. "And I know that means you're technically single, but…I do ask for a heads-up if you're taken with someone, okay?"
Also, could you maybe wait a few years before you fall for someone else? Well, I can't ask him THAT.The Changeling sat up, leaned back on his hands and huffed, rolling his eyes. "As if.""Garfield…""What part of
exclusive
ruler of my heart do you not understand?" He chuckled happily.That made her stomach flutter and her chest ache in the best possible way. Her cheeks warmed up too. "Okay, but Gar…it will happen eventually. You won't stay single having casual sex with me for the rest of your life.""That is
exactly
what I'm planning to do. Or at least for as long as you'll want me."Azar, I hope he's serious. But I can't hold him to that.
"Well, you might find out you need or want more than that. Like…going on dates, you like those. Or kissing in public. Or sharing a room or even a house with someone, getting married, having children…all of that."Right. Of course she thinks I want that.
"Rae, I…I don't care about that stuff anymore." When she shot him a skeptical look and raised an eyebrow, he chuckled breezily. "I don't! Not in the way you think. Look, all that stuff would only make sense or mean anything if it was with you. I'd only want any of that with
you." He meant it. He'd thought about all of that already.
Moving in with Raven? Sure, let's do it. Moving in with some other girl? No way. Marrying Raven? Dream. Marrying someone else? No, thank you. Having children with Raven? Yes, please. Having children with anyone other than Raven? Doesn't feel right.
"I don't
need
any of that from you, just to be clear. I'm perfectly happy with your plan. I'm just saying that if it's
not
you, then…I don't really care."He meant that too. The way he saw it, sure, he would love to do all those things with her, but he'd forced her to settle for less happiness than she deserved by making her stay, so why should
he
get everything he wanted? Besides, living with her and acting on their feelings every now and then was way more happiness than he expected already.Raven could sense his sincerity and her powers had gone a little rogue during his speech, but again, they had no reason to care about that on this Earth.
Azar, I love him so much.
"Gar, that's…but…that…that could change."She needs reassurance. The shapeshifter smiled at her. "Okay, Rae. I promise that if I ever change my mind, you'll be the first to know."She exhaled, looking peaceful again. "Okay. In that case…I should go talk to the Sirens.""Oh, while you're doing that can I draw your throne? I've been meaning to draw you sitting on it but I couldn't remember exactly what it looked like."Raven chuckled softly and blushed. "Sure. I'll kind of miss it, actually.""Me too. Maybe we should take it with us and put it in the ops room." Garfield got on all fours so he could reach out and kiss her again, smiling against her lips. "You look
soo
sexy on it, like some underworld Goddess."The empath giggled into the kiss. "You just think everything I do is sexy.""Yes, I do. Guilty." Garfield chuckled and gave her a sweet peck. "But also it really
is
sexy."Raven gently pushed him. "I need to meditate a little before I can take us back. Go do something other than stare at me."The Changeling whined cutely. "Oh c'mon, I'll be quiet."She fought back a smile. "Your feelings are distracting."Garfield scratched the back of his head. "Ah…right. Yes, I can imagine. I'll just, uh…" He put his boxers on and looked around.
Welp, there's nothing to do here. "I'll take a walk.""Good. Oh, by the way, I know it was a while ago, but…belated happy birthday."The shapeshifter beamed at her.
That's so sweet. She's so sweet. I should do something for HER birthday this year. "Thanks, Rae!"Once they were back in Siren Mansion and fully dressed, Raven gathered the Sirens by the bar for an emergency meeting while Garfield sat with his legs crossed on the floor in front of the stairs and made a sketch of Raven's throne – after telling Cyborg he was okay and there was no need to worry because he was just taking care of some things and would be home soon."What's up with your eyes?" Selina folded her arms and raised an eyebrow.Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn were also shooting the empath slightly judgmental looks."I…actually, that's what I need to talk to you ab-""Hey,
Changeling!
Are you drawing that? With Raven in it?" Harley suddenly yelled at Garfield.He turned around to look at her and grinned. "Yeah!""Do one of
me
too!" The blond villain clapped, jumping up and down. Then she saw Raven staring at her incredulously and shrugged. "What? I saw that other sketch before you defensively took it back with your voodoo powers, he's good! I want one."The sorcerer sighed tiredly. "Harley, he's not going to make you a-""Yes I am!" Garfield shouted excitedly. He actually liked this idea. Regardless of everything, this was her home for a while. And he could eternalize it somehow. "I'll do
allfour
of you!"They chuckled and raised their eyebrows suggestively while Raven just rubbed her temples. "Well
someone's
confident!" Poison Ivy teased.He suddenly blushed deeply and smiled sheepishly. "No, I…I meant I'll
draw
all four of you! I mean, you know-obviously!""Yes, I think that's a more reasonable idea." Catwoman said, thoroughly amused.Garfield stammered some more incomprehensible gibberish as they chuckled again, and then he cleared his throat and opened his mouth, said nothing, closed it and quickly turned around to go back to sketching."Thankou, Changeling! You're a sweetheart!" Harley yelled happily.He gave her a thumbs-up without turning around, because he knew his face was still flushed.Raven cleared her throat. She wasn't showing it, but she was amused too.
He IS a sweetheart. "So, anyway…""You're leaving." Poison Ivy stated pointedly.The empath blinked at her in silence."Yeah, we figured." Selina rolled her eyes, but smiled anyway.Harley Quinn leaned over the counter and whispered excitedly. "We're not judging you, Ravey. That stuff last night was like,
really
romantic.""I mean, I'm judging
a little." Ivy smirked. "But…" She glanced at Harley. "Yeah, we get it."The sorcerer was slightly taken aback, because she could sense some sincerity in them. "I…but…I'm going back to Titan Tower. I didn't mean to leave you guys, I just…""Raven, chill, we know. You've had another change of heart. Even your eyes turned lame again." Catwoman said in a friendly tone. "We sorta saw it coming for a while now."The empath exhaled and frowned. "What? Have I been obvious or something?"Pamela smiled teasingly. "Well, your eye color keeps changing back and you've been kinda depressed and less fun lately.""Oh…right. I suppose that's true." Raven cleared her throat and straightened up. "I
will
have to set these people free from my grip…" She gestured towards their slaves. "…and make them turn themselves in to go to jail."That made them huff, grumble and roll their eyes all at once."I suppose you'll also lift all the curses and magical traps that keep us safe? And release all the cops and judges under your influence and basically dismantle our empire?" Selina asked.Harley Quinn pouted. "We'll have to go back to hiding?"Raven grimaced. Oddly enough, she felt a little guilty. "Sorry, Quinnie. I…I kinda have to."Pamela sighed and turned to the other two villains. "Well, I hate to say I told you so, but…no, wait. I love saying it. I told you so.""I really didn't plan this." The empath said truthfully."Okay, Ravey, but are
you
coming for us?" Harley whined. "Cause that's just mean.""No." She answered surprisingly quickly. "I mean…I don't want to. Maybe you guys should go back to Gotham, cause all sorts of trouble. Just…don't kill people. If you go too far I
will
have to come for you. But at least the League of Assassins will leave you alone. And if you ever need me for real, I'll be there." She tossed them her communicator. "Here, keep it. I'll get a new one. Maybe we can team-up again in the future. If Darkseid comes back or something."They seemed to like that plan.Ivy took the T-communicator and smirked. "Okay, prophecy child. We'll see you around."Raven took some time releasing their slaves and making them head to the police one by one, lifting all the spells she'd cast and gathering all her things. Garfield made drawings of every Siren on their thrones and they made copies. Selina and Ivy smiled at theirs, clearly pleased. Harley Quinn was euphoric though; she jumped up and down and grinned gigantically at him – her smile was still a little scary."Thanks for not trying to fix my brain, Ravey!" The blond Siren spread her arms wide as they were saying goodbye."I wouldn't mess with your brain, Quinnie. Besides, you're not that bad." Raven realized she was waiting for a hug with her arms open like that and frowned. "I…I'm not really a…a hug person…" She sighed when the blonde pouted, giving her a quick hug then blankly addressing Poison Ivy. "I know you didn't ask for advice, but…don't be so scared of your feelings. They won't make you less badass."Pamela smirked. "Yeah…maybe." She folded her arms. "You're okay, Raven. It was fun having a demon-witch on the team." Then she looked at the Changeling. "By the way, we saw what you did to the warlock traitor through the security cameras. You're okay too."Garfield felt a little self-conscious, but grinned proudly nonetheless when the other two villains nodded emphatically in agreement. He'd gotten a bit dark there, but he'd done it to protect Raven, so he would never regret or apologize for it."Oh, can I have that footage, actually?" The empath asked. She glanced at the green boy beside her, blushing and scratching his neck.
I definitely want to watch him kick Klarion's ass."Sure thing." Catwoman chuckled.Raven turned to her next. "You. I'm not sure you should be doing this either, to be honest. But…you know. Take your time. Just be brave to admit when you care."Selina saw this one coming. This girl had been reading her feelings for a while now. She knew she cared more about Bruce than she admitted and that it had been changing her perspective lately. "You're just full of unrequested wisdom today, aren't you?""Oh this is just regular me. I suck." Raven said in a playful tone."Actually, that's true. She does this
all
the time." Garfield grumbled. Then he saw her glare at him a little and realized what he said. "I mean, not the
you suck
part! You don't suck." He smiled sheepishly. "You're awesome. And smart. And really pretty."Harley laughed hysterically and hugged the Changeling tightly, making him stiffen and hold his breath. Raven was tense too and ready to stop her from suddenly harming him out of nowhere, but the blond girl wasn't offended. She liked being unpredictable and feared. "Thanks for the drawings, Beasty! They're
sooo
lovely!""Yeah. Sorry for trying to kill you and then make you eat bacon." Poison Ivy smirked."Ah…" He waved a hand to dismiss it. "Water under the bridge. Thanks for taking care of Rae."Catwoman raised an eyebrow at the empath, picking up Salem to caress his fur one last time. "Rae?
That's adorable."Harley Quinn approached her to pet the kitten as well, giggling at the nickname.Raven cleared her throat. "All right, well, time to go. You've been gone for hours, Nightwing is probably worried." She said, pulling the Changeling by the hand. "C'mon, Salem." The kitten meowed at the Sirens one last time and then jumped on the sorcerer's cape and climbed it to comfortably lie on her shoulder.Back in Titan Tower, everyone gasped and jumped when a dark energy raven appeared in the middle of the ops room. They exhaled in relief when the purple-haired girl emerged from it with a green boy. The Titans East were still there. Krypto jumped on Raven and made heart eyes at her until she scratched behind his ears, then he happily jumped around Salem and they immediately started playing together."Man, we were
so worried!" Cyborg pulled the shapeshifter into a crushing hug. "Where the Hell
were
you!?"Jinx placed her hands on her hips. "Yeah you tell me to teleport you in the middle of a stand-out night and disappear for like a whole day, what's up with that?""I was just-""And why were you with Raven?" Conner raised an eyebrow."Well that's what I-""Did something happen with the League of Assassins? Because we should
all
know about that." Damian folded his arms."No it's-""Maybe she had to get him out of trouble." Bumblebee shrugged."I went to-""Why are you in your old uniform?" Starfire narrowed her eyes at Raven, noticing she had her old armor and cloak back on; her hood was even pulled over her head."Well,
about
that-""Maybe they don't
want
to tell us what they were doing, guys." Terra giggled."I'm trying to-""You can't just disappear without explaining yourself for this long." Nightwing pointed out. "What if you had-""Everyone
shut up!" Raven practically shouted, immediately getting their attention. As absolute silence reigned, she cleared her throat. "Let him talk."Garfield beamed at her. "Thanks, Rae. So, um, anyway. I was getting Raven!" He gestured towards the girl beside him. "Tah-dah!"The empath frowned at him. "That's it?"He straightened up and scratched his head. "Well, I…yeah!"Raven rolled her eyes and addressed Nightwing, who looked just as confused as everyone else for once. "He means that…well, I'd like to come home. If you'll all have me, that is. I understand if you don't want me back, but I'm willing to-
argh!" She stopped talking as she was suddenly enveloped in a tight group hug by several people. "Does this mean I can stay?""Are you
kidding
me!?" Starfire squealed. "This is the
best
news!""Hellz yeah, Doomsday. Welcome back." Damian said from where he was leaning on the wall.The group hug had accidentally brought her hood down and now Terra noticed something that made her smile brightly. "Raven…your eyes!"Cyborg gasped, examined her face and grinned. "Oh, yeah! Damn girl, you're really back!"Everyone else gathered to take a look and the sorcerer took a step back. "Yes, yes. I'm feeling more like myself again.""When did they turn all violet?" Ravager asked curiously after coming closer as well. She tried to cover it up, but she was extremely relieved. Happy, even."Ah…it just sort of happened. Like, right when I decided to come back." Raven lied.Cyborg narrowed his eyes at the Changeling, because he could see him blushing and sheepishly looking away. "Right…""Anyway, I gave all the stuff I stole back, except for the Kryptonite spear, but I'll return that too. And I released the people I enslaved…they're in jail now." Raven started counting her reparations on her fingers. "And I've-""Are you two a thing again?" Conner indiscreetly gestured between her and the shapeshifter.Garfield choked on his own saliva and Raven buried her face in her hand while he coughed with a finger up in the air as if he had something really important to say. Once he recovered, the Changeling cleared his throat. "Ah…no."Superboy smiled charmingly at the sorcerer. "Awesome. Also, can we take a vote on the uniform? I kinda liked the other one."Garfield felt his heart tighten a little, but he regained control quickly enough to not let jealousy get the best of him.
It's okay. She likes me, not him.Raven rolled her eyes and put a hand in the air motioning for an enthusiastic Aqualad to keep whatever he was about to say to himself while she addressed Conner. "Out of the question."Starfire couldn't fight back another squeal. "I just
can't believe
you're back!"The empath smiled slightly. "Just like that? You don't…like, resent me or anything?"Ravager shrugged. "Half of us have been villains at
some
point, right?""Besides, you kept saving everyone's lives in your free time." Bumblebee chuckled. "It kinda made resenting you a bit harder."While everyone chatted happily and asked Raven a million questions about the Sirens and her villainous times there, Nightwing approached the Changeling, who was now watching her affectionately from afar."You did this?" Richard asked him through emotional eyes. "How?""I guess I…I just talked to her again." Garfield answered coyly.Dick nodded slowly and placed a hand on the younger boy's shoulder. "Well, whatever you did…thank you."
As Long as You're Mine (Wicked)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Justice League stared at her with folded arms and severe eyes.Raven inhaled. "So anyway…I thought I should probably return this." She conjured the Kryptonite spear in her hand."Yeah…probably." The Flash mumbled as he took it from her."So…you're like, good again?" Zatanna asked."To be fair, she was never
not good.
She saved my life and she didn't have to." Batman said, giving the empath a reassuring, small smile. "Not to mention my sons'."Raven shot him a grateful look."Well, sure. She wasn't a
monster. Still, there was
a lot
of criminal activity." Aquaman stated. "Didn't she kill someone?""I'm right here." The sorcerer muttered. "And yes…""But that someone was Rouge." Cyborg pointed out. "She wasn't a regular person, she was a major threat to the world and completely evil. Even the authorities had orders to shoot to kill. Besides, if there was a thread of humanity left in her she would have lived, right, Rae?""Right."The Flash frowned. "I mean, sure, but still-""I'm good, okay?" The empath said pointedly. She could sense the others starting to feel eager to jump in and defend her, so she decided to end the conversation before it turned into an argument. "And I'm sorry.""What were you planning to do with
that?" Superman asked, pointing at the spear.Raven sighed. "Oh, I don't know. Defend myself when you tackled me to the ground again?"The Titans fought back laughter, but it was useless. They were practically giggly.Clark Kent cleared his throat. "Okay,
that
was a mistake. But still, you just expect to be completely forgiven and not face any sort of consequences for-""I'm going to stop you there, Superman." Nightwing said firmly. "She'll pay in community service by being a hero, just like the rest of us did when
we
committed crimes. Actually, the amount of criminals she's put behind bars in the last two days should be enough. All those slaves of hers were highly dangerous. And she
is
completely forgiven. You don't know the circumstances, but…there
were
circumstances.""Yeah and it's not like we haven't all done bad things here." Damian pointed out."Well, none of you did that much damage…" Wonder Woman pondered.Ravager smirked. "So the problem is that she was good at it?""We're not judging…" Diana said calmly."Actually, you are." Raven whispered. When everyone stared at her again, she shrugged. "I can sense it. But…I don't care. I just came here to give you that thing back and get my book.""Your book?" Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow.Raven folded her arms. "Yes, the magic book that summons the dead? That book. I gave that collector everything else back but he had no business with that book, it belongs with a witch.""Yes, I agree. But it
is
with a witch…me." Zatanna said firmly."Right…I know that." The empath nodded apologetically. "But…can we call upon it and let the book decide? We could use it. I have a bitter warlock and the League of Assassins to handle."Superman frowned. "Let the
book
decide?""It has a sense of loyalty." Zatanna explained without removing her eyes from Raven. "If two people are close enough to claim it, it could just choose.""Oh, I want in on that! I want to claim it too!" Jinx eagerly raised her hand. Raven shot her a quizzical look, but she just shrugged and chuckled, keeping her hand up."No one's doing that. The book stays here." Superman said intently. "It's safer.""Besides, no offense, but…how do we even know we can trust you yet?" Aquaman asked Raven."I trust her completely." Nightwing quickly stated.Raven sighed and shot her teammates a warning look when they stepped forward – particularly Garfield, Damian and Koriand'r. It was a look that screamed
I got this. She cleared her throat. "Listen, I'm trying to ask nicely here. But I have as much right to claim it as-""Also me." Jinx said pointedly, folding her arms and smiling.The empath sighed again. "Yes, okay. Jinx and I have the right to claim it too."Wonder Woman glanced at the others. "Maybe we should just let them do it.""Do you really think it's going to choose you?" Zatanna raised an eyebrow at Raven. She did like her, ever since they fought Eclipso together. But she
was
a bit arrogant."Yes, I do." The empath said confidently."What makes you so sure? You did just commit a bunch of crimes. Not that I'm judging." Green Arrow spoke. He had been quietly watching so far."Well, I just…I should have it, okay?" Raven declared.Superman folded his arms, looking a little amused. "You think you're
entitled
to it, don't you?""Does it matter what I think?" The empath frowned, slightly annoyed. "Don't take my word for it. Get the book and let's find out."Zatanna smirked. "You know what? Let's."Minutes later, Raven, Jinx and Zatanna were chanting in Latin around a round table as the old, dark book floated, glowed and twirled in the center."All this for that ugly book, right?" Garfield whispered to Wally, who nodded in agreement.The artefact twirled around violently a few more times before flying directly into Raven's relieved hands. She smiled and ran her fingers over the cover.The Justice League gasped, but Jinx just huffed in annoyance.
Figures."No, wait…we're gonna need you to give that back." Clark said awkwardly.The empath frowned. "What?
No. I'm the rightful owner."Diana grimaced. "Ah…Raven. We can't let you leave with that…"Superman looked at Zatanna, who just shrugged in response. "Sorry, it picked her. What do you want me to do?""What do you mean you can't
let
me leave with it? It's mine. Why would you agree to letting us claim it then go back on your word?"Clark sighed and rubbed his temples. "To be honest, we thought it wouldn't go to you."Raven huffed. "Well, you thought wrong. That's not
my
fault. Also, you know what? I
am
entitled to it."Superman raised his eyebrows. So did most of the Justice League. Batman just smirked."Sweetie…" Wonder Woman started."No, I want to know why she's entitled to a book that summons the dead." Clark frowned."Guys, we're all on the same side here…" Barry pondered.Raven narrowed her eyes. "You want to know
why?""Please,
enlighten us." Aquaman chuckled slightly, folding his arms."Okay, fine." The empath held the book to her chest. "Why wouldn't it come to me? I don't see anyone else constantly keeping a world-conquering demon at bay so he won't break loose. I answered a call for help from another Universe that nearly got me killed – which in
my
case means a one-way ticket to some hellish dimension. I've battled entities much stronger than me. Oh, you want to talk about damage? You know who could have done
way
more damage than me? An Eclipso-possessed Superboy." She pointed at Conner.Superboy scratched the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly."Good thing I exorcised him." She went on. "Also,
extremely
unpleasant. Let's see, what else? How about being tortured
mercilessly
for months without caving? Do you know
why
I stayed powerless for weeks after that? I didn't
trust
myself because they
brainwashed
me. By the way, Deathstroke is
saving
people now. I did
that
too, and I found Radion in the process. Radion you used against Darkseid. And I'm the only one who's actually
used
this book, to help the Titans fight Braniac when
you
couldn't. Should I go on?"She didn't need to go on. Her point had been made. But her friends didn't know that."Oh, I know!" Starfire raised her hand excitedly. "You went inside Lex Luthor's mind to find the venom of the mind-control! Also, transferring my sister's powers to me.""You practically resurrected me!" The Changeling chimed in merrily."You brought me back from being turned to stone then restored my memories!" Terra chuckled breezily, because now they were just having fun with it.Dick smiled and folded his arms. "How about saving my life?""And
my
life." Bruce pointed out again."You fixed my spine." Damian smirked.Ravager calmly raised a hand. "Does making me switch sides count?""Resisting the Lasso of Truth was kinda dope." Jinx shrugged."Not to mention all the healing all the time." Bumblebee smiled."She did
a lot
of healing after Darkseid, actually." Bruce said, now thoroughly amused. "Also, you have to admit turning Lex Luthor into a dog was a nice touch."Krypto got in front of Raven protectively. The empath was a little overwhelmed at this point. It was all really nice, but she didn't exactly feel
that
worthy of all this support at the moment."Okay, okay!" Superman chuckled slightly. "I got it; she's done
a lot
of good." He sighed and addressed her again. "To be fair, that doesn't give you a free pass to do whatever you want.""I never said it did." Raven said quickly. "I'm just saying a few bad choices don't erase an entire life of sacrifices…" She lowered her voice to a whisper. "At least not to the book.""I guess that makes sense." Zatanna nodded, shooting the Titan sorcerer a forgiving look."I mean, we've all made sacrifices." Superman pondered. "But…maybe
not like you."The empath could sense the hostility had diminished significantly, but she was still a little annoyed. "Maybe?
Did any of you receive a personal invitation from God's Mercy to ascend into an immortal cosmic entity? Because I did."And then everything else was momentarily forgotten. They gasped and widened their eyes."Woah, what!?" The Flash squeaked."You
did!?" Zatanna smiled. "Why on Earth didn't you go!?"Garfield had been taking small steps backwards and shrinking since she mentioned Radiant's offer.
Shit. Now they'll all hate me too."That's not important, all you need to know is in the end I didn't get to go and it made me snap, okay? Look, I can't even laugh too loud or something explodes. It's
exhausting
being me. I'm sorry,
I am. I got a little lost. But I'm back. You can trust me." Raven said sincerely.Garfield exhaled in relief and smiled.
She didn't tell them. Thanks, love."You know what? Here, put that thing on me." The empath stretched an arm out and let a surprised Wonder Woman wrap the Lasso around it, making no attempt to resist its magic this time. "I'm sorry about my recent actions. I was broken, but I'm back. You can trust me."That instantly softened their faces. Diana smiled in relief as she unwrapped the rope from the younger girl's arm. "Yes, I believe we can."Clark shot her an apologetic look. "Okay, kiddo. Sorry you felt judged.""I
was
judged." Raven muttered, still a little annoyed. "But…it's fine. I
did
bad things. I've undone most of them, but...""I'm sorry, are we not addressing the God's Mercy thing!?" Barry asked, utterly perplexed."Her name is Radiant, I reached out to her about sneaking Raven into Heaven and then she made that counteroffer." Damian explained. "She said they had been watching her and were pleased with her.""They?
They, who?" Batman frowned."We didn't ask. Celestial beings, I guess." Raven answered. "Anyway, if we're good, I'd like to go home with my friends now…"Superman frowned. She looked upset. Whatever happened had definitely wounded her. Her recent crimes did overshadow a lot of what she'd done for the world. And she
had
willingly released him from possession. "Raven?" He waited until she looked at him. "I'm sorry."The empath smiled at him.
That one was genuine. "Thanks. I'm sorry too, I really am." She looked around.
Okay, good. They forgive me.
She didn't expect or even need it. But it was nice."Yeah, thanks for returning this." Barry said merrily, holding up the spear. "Stay good, kiddo!""You guys know I'm twenty-three, right?" Raven asked.
What's with this kiddo thing?They chuckled light-heartedly and Diana smiled kindly. "Precisely."As soon as they were back in Titan Tower, Conner approached the empath."So…" He smiled charmingly. "When you put it all together like that, it makes you sound nearly
legendary."Raven stared at him quizzically. "Conner, I
am
legendary."He chuckled lightly. "You're kind of conceited, aren't you?""Very." The sorcerer stated. "But no, I mean I'm literally legendary. There are ancient books on me. Trigon's spawn? That's me. Where do you think
destroyer of worlds
came from?"She shrugged nonchalantly and walked away. Garfield chuckled breezily as she left, because he was close enough to hear them. Then Conner joined him, Speedy and Aqualad on the couch."Is it an utterly fulfilling sense of accomplishment?" Superboy asked.The shapeshifter took a few seconds to realize he was talking to him. He looked away from the TV and frowned at Conner. "Huh?""Banging that chick. I bet it must be so freaking
satisfying." Superboy said, leaning back on the couch in a relaxed manner while Aqualad nodded in agreement.The Changeling's muscles stiffened. He didn't like that. Not even a little bit. It sounded disrespectful. "What did you just say?""C'mon, man, relax." Aqualad elbowed Garfield in a friendly manner. "She's not your girlfriend anymore, right? No need to get worked up about it.""Maybe he's just trying to save your ass." Speedy chuckled. "If she hears you talking about her like that she'll send you to the Phantom Zone or something."Aqualad dismissed his worries. "She's in her room. And if she comes back, Garfield here will smell her coming." He put an arm around the shapeshifter's shoulders. "Right, dude?"The Changeling just pushed his arm off him, being very unamused by the whole bit.
Doesn't he have to go back to the East or whatever?
He wished Victor, Richard or Damian were there. They'd say Raven was like a sister to them and shut it down.Aqualad rolled his eyes, completely unbothered. "C'mon, just between us, as the one who
did
bang her, what's it like? It's obviously awesome; you keep going back for more."Garfield frowned. "I'm not talking about this with
you. And can you stop using that word?"
You don't bang someone like Raven. You make love to her.Conner grinned easily. "Look, I only meant that…well, you know what I meant.""I don't, actually." The shapeshifter stated firmly."I'm just saying, I'd love to see her come down from that high horse and get messy for once.""Yeah, imagine
that." Aqualad smiled greedily, giving Superboy a fist-bump. "Besides, I bet she's
wild
in bed, with all that demonic lust."Conner chuckled. "Imagine picking up a demonology book and being like, see that chick?
Done that. Made her moan and everything."They laughed freely and Garfield stood up hastily, with his fists clenched.
Nope. I can't listen to this. They're making her sound like a fucking conquest."Someone's getting all jealous and possessive again." Aqualad said teasingly."No, I…" The Changeling took a deep breath. "I'm not. Just…don't talk about her like that."Superboy shrugged. "Like
what?
We're just saying it must be nice to-""Cut it out, dude. He still likes her." Speedy said. He wasn't proud to admit he would easily take part in this kind of conversation in the past, but now that he was in love, it just seemed weird. "Plus, he's right. You two are being kinda gross."Garfield shot him an extremely grateful look."Whatever." Conner smiled. "I get it, Changeling. You don't want us thinking about it even more. You wanna keep her all to yourself. I respect it, but I hope you don't mind competition."The shapeshifter took another deep breath.
Do I mind competition? Kinda. But don't tell them that. "Actually, Conner, you're not competition." He turned to Aqualad. "Neither are you."They both snorted in absolute outrage."Have you
seen
me?" The aquatic Titan gestured to his own body.Conner collected himself and leaned back on the couch again. "Dude…I'm
Superboy.""She doesn't give a fuck.
Neither
of you will ever do
any
of that to her because you're both idiots and she knows it." Garfield said confidently. "Also, next time you talk about her like that make sure I'm not around, cause I
will
tell her and enjoy watching her punish you."Speedy laughed loudly as the Changeling smiled and walked away, leaving two grumpy Titans behind on the couch. He was getting himself a glass of water – because he still needed to cool off – when Nightwing approached him with an uncharacteristically unsure look on his face."Uh…hey, man. Do you have a minute?" Richard asked him.Where were you two minutes ago when I needed you to tell those two to shut up?
"Yeah, sure.""I just talked to Rae. She said you convinced her to come home.""Oh. Yeah…I guess. She already wanted to; I just tried to make her feel safe enough to do it."Dick nodded slowly. "She also asked me if I have been hard on you."The Changeling grimaced. "Oh. I…I didn't, like,
complain
or anything, I swear. I mean, I said you kinda hate me since she left but that was just a jok-""No, I…" Nightwing sighed. "I
have
been hard on you. I'm not proud of it. I was planning to just give it time, but Raven said I should man up and talk to you, and, well…I think she's right."Garfield smiled a little. "Usually. But seriously Dick, in this case it's all good. Don't worry.""It's not all good. Listen…" Richard sat down across from him on the kitchen counter. "I was angry at you. I resented you. I blamed you when she left."The Changeling looked down and muttered. "Yeah but you were
right
to blame me, Dick. It
was
my fault. She left because of
me.""But she also came back because of you." Nightwing smiled slightly when the shapeshifter looked up at him with surprise in his eyes. "You're the one who got through to her. I should have had more faith in you. And, well…I punished you after she asked me not to. Besides, that whole thing with Rouge and…you know…when I thought she was…" He cleared his throat and they both looked away awkwardly. "Anyway, I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I hope you can forgive me, and that we can go back to…I mean, if you still
want
to be my friend…"Garfield beamed at him, feeling absolutely relieved and light. "Of
course
I do!""You do?" Richard's smile widened. "Wait, you do as in you forgive me or you do as in you still want to be my friend?""Well, I…both, I guess!" The Changeling chuckled happily."Really?" Nightwing exhaled. "Oh, good. So what's up?"Garfield grunted, glancing at the couch to confirm Superboy was no longer there. He thought he'd heard him leaving the tower, but he had to be sure. "Oh I was just contemplating the fact that I'll have to watch Conner unapologetically hit on Raven everyday now."Richard immediately reacted. "Dude, seriously! I had to watch him make out with Kory all the time. And he was such a jerk about it, too.""That's right, you did." The Changeling frowned. "How did you get through that?""I have no idea." Dick chuckled truthfully. "I think I just went somewhere else in my mind."Garfield laughed along with him and opened his mouth to say that was a good tip when he sniffed lavender and turned around."Gar, are you busy?" She asked him urgently, almost looking a bit stiff.Nightwing and the Changeling exchanged a quizzical look to see if either of them seemed to know why she was acting so intense. Neither of them did.Garfield shrugged. "I…no, not really. We were just talking.""Yeah, I apologized." Nightwing explained. "Good advice, too. Thanks.""Oh. Good. That's good." Raven smiled softly. "When you're done, can you let me know?""Is everything okay?" Richard asked, slightly concerned.She nodded. "Yes, of course."Garfield narrowed his eyes. She hadn't blinked once. "Are you sure?""Positive." The empath turned around to go talk to Starfire and Bumblebee, but Richard grabbed her arm to stop her. "What?""Stay. He's not busy; I need to go prepare a training routine anyway." Nightwing said kindly. He figured it was better for Garfield to find out what this was about sooner rather than later."So…" The shapeshifter smiled at her. "What's up?""Can we talk in private?"His heart accelerated. Raven had only been back for two days and they hadn't found their way to each other's rooms yet. He was mostly trying to give her space. "S-sure."She smiled mysteriously and floated away. Garfield hurriedly got off his seat and followed her to her room. The door closed behind him as soon as he walked in.Why am I this nervous?
The shapeshifter looked around, tapping his fingers on his leg and sighing. "Soo…what did you want to-Mmh! Mmm…" He was cut off by Raven's eager lips on his and immediately responded. Her body was pressed against him, pushing him backwards until his back hit a wall, then he wrapped an arm around her waist and brought a hand to her face, smiling against her lips and whispering. "Well this is a nice surprise."She slid her hands up his chest and shoulders and let out a quiet, pleading whimper. It instantly drove him insane. Garfield hastily spun them around so she was the one pressed against the wall. She didn't fight it, she just stopped the kiss to chant her words and deactivate her powers. He smiled and worked his way down her neck, kissing passionately and sucking lightly as she leaned her head back, moaning and quivering."That better not leave a hickey." Raven whispered in a breathy, shaky voice.He chuckled against her skin. "No, I was careful. You just taste so fucking good."She tangled her fingers in his hair. "I watched it. I saw what you did to him."The Changeling smiled, working his way back up her neck.
Of course watching me beat Klarion to a pulp got her in the mood.
He chuckled again. "Oh, so that's what's gotten you all eager."Raven pulled his head back to look into his eyes with dilated pupils. "You're my fucking hero."That lit up that primal instinct in him. His entire body was burning for her as he grabbed her thighs and pulled her to his lap. The sorcerer gladly complied, wrapping her legs around his waist. Garfield massaged and teased every inch of her he could get his hands on while passionately kissing her lips.
She's moaning so fucking much. I'm going to lose it.
He carried the purple-haired girl to her bed and basically dropped her on it, taking a moment to admire her.Raven moved to get on all fours and smiled up at him seductively. "You know, I want you to-"The trouble alarm interrupted her and Garfield had never been more annoyed at the sound. His huge, blissful grin instantly fell and he grunted in frustration. Raven, however, was on her feet looking flawless and reactivating her powers in seconds."We'll finish this later." She said casually, walking past him.But he had a more visible issue. She'd gotten him hard already. "Ah…I can't, uh…"The empath turned to stare at him questioningly and fought back laughter when she saw his problem. "Oh. Right." She made a graceful hand gesture. "Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos."His eyes widened when his situation was magically fixed. "Woah! How did you-""It's all blood flow, Garfield. Now c'mon." She said urgently, floating out of her room.The Changeling had so many questions, but he just ran after her.
I hate that stupid alarm.
"This better be someone important and not Control Freak or something."It was organized crime. With the Sirens gone, the outlaw world was once again without leadership in Jump City and everyone seemed eager to grasp their portion of power. Factions and mercenaries were disputing over all sorts of illegal market. Only that night something went wrong and there was a shooting. Red-X had been there, of course."Still with the outlaw thing?" Richard asked him during their brief interaction."Some people don't change, Robin." X shrugged. "Sorry, I mean
Nightwing."Conner flew in first, with Krypto and Krypto-transformed Garfield, since they were bulletproof. Starfire followed them, as bullets didn't harm her to a great deal. They managed to control the situation quickly and easily. Once every gun was on the floor and all the criminals had their hands above their heads, they watched the guns dissolve and vanish into the floor. And then Raven emerged from the shadows. They remembered her. They had been loyal to her not too long ago. They were definitely still scared of her."Who's in charge?" The empath asked in a low voice.When no one answered, Damian kicked one guy's knee and twisted his arm behind his back once he fell to the floor. He grunted in pain and pointed at someone."Thank you." Raven said calmly, floating towards the man identified as the leader and bringing her hands to each side of his head. She frowned slightly, concentrating as her hands glowed for a few short seconds and he screamed in agony.Nightwing was by her side as soon as she was done. "The cops are here. What did you see? Are there more of them? Will they be a problem?"She waited until the man was taken away, because she didn't want him to know what she'd seen. "Definitely. He doesn't know much, but…I saw who does."Back in the ops room, Dick had everyone gather around the couch."It's a new guy." Raven reported. "Some corrupt human magnate from Metropolis who wants to expand and I guess he's looking to pick up where the Sire-well, where
we
left off.""Human? Sounds easy." Conner chuckled."Like your father?" The sorcerer raised an eyebrow at him. "The biggest problem with this guy is he has powerful friends. And I don't want to manipulate judges anymore. Every time I do something like that, it feels like taking a step away from me and towards Trigon. So…if we want him behind bars, we need proof.""Agreed." Nightwing said pointedly. "Where can we find him?"Raven frowned slightly. "Dick, do you think you can get us into a party?""Whose party?""Some socialite with a big family name. Her first name is like…I want to say a gemstone. Crystal? Ruby? Emerald?""Sapphire Stagg?" Nightwing guessed promptly."That's it." The empath nodded. "Her party. He'll be there.""Didn't you sleep with her?" Superboy elbowed an already uncomfortable Changeling.Garfield turned red and cursed Conner internally. He did sleep with her during his wild distraction-seeking escapades."Wait, you did? Isn't she Metamorpho's girlfriend?" Speedy asked, instinctively putting his arm around Terra's shoulders.The Changeling looked down, trying to shrink as much as he could and muttering under his breath. "Ah…yes. They were on a break.""Well, that's good, actually. You can talk to her and see if you can get any information out of her." Richard said. Then he saw the look on Starfire's face and immediately turned to Raven. "I mean…maybe. Right?"The empath's heart was tight at the idea of him entertaining and charming a girl he'd slept with, but her face certainly didn't show it. "Yes, obviously. That's a good idea.""Man, I can't
believe
we're leaving tomorrow!" Aqualad complained. "We never get to go on the cool missions."Like so many criminal lords, this one didn't hide either. He had powerful connections and his life was ridiculously luxurious. So, naturally, he was invited to exclusive socialite parties. But naturally, so were the Titans. Superboy alone would have been enough reason to get them all in – he was flashy and charming and really stood out in situations like this. Raven identified their target as soon as they got there and the others gasped, because unlike her, they were familiar with his face. The tall, elegant media magnate was actually quite famous. His aura was cold and dark and she hoped she could avoid being around him until it was absolutely necessary. The Titans scattered and mingled, digging for information."Do you mind talking to me for a few minutes? May I record this?" A journalist approached the Titan sorcerer by the bar.Raven had been avoiding the press more than ever as she was getting a lot more attention than she liked since she rejoined the Titans. "Well, actually I…""Wonderful." He sat next to her, hoping the public setting would spare him from whatever consequence his boldness could bring upon him. "So…Raven, right?"The empath stared at him blankly. She did need
something
to do to keep her from staring at Garfield as he charmingly talked to pretty girls and from obsessing over the way they were laughing freely with him or feeling his muscles over his suit. He looked so good again and she thought she would lose her mind. But she wasn't going to answer
that
question.The young man chuckled. "Right, you're right. We know who you are. I'm David. So, can you make a statement regarding your current status with the Sirens and the Titans? There's been a lot of rumors and I'm sure you'd like the chance to clear the air.""Would I?"He smiled awkwardly. "Ah…well, I assume you would?"Raven nodded slowly. "I see. What are the rumors?""What?""Tell me the rumors.""Well…don't you prefer telling me your version?""No, I'd like to hear the rumors."He stared at her quizzically before regaining control and clearing his throat. "Right, ah…it's rumored that you went to the dark side and became an outlaw overlord alongside Harley Quinn, Catwoman and Poison Ivy. And that now you're a Titan again and reformed.""We both know those are all facts, not rumors.""Right…I suppose speculations revolve around
why
and
how
it all happened. To the public, they seem like rather sudden changes and that leaves people feeling on edge.""Mmm…were people not on edge with me before?" She smirked and raised an eyebrow.David chuckled. "Good point. It's just…some people say you enslaved people's minds and some people swear they even saw you possess Superman."Raven puffed her chest.
I'm REALLY not winning fan favorite this year. Oh, well. "All true. Although…I only possessed Superman because he attacked me while we were negotiating hostages' release, and I set him free pretty quickly.""So you did lawful things as a Siren? Several women came forward and claimed you saved them from a human traffic organization.""I mean…I wouldn't use the word
lawful." She chuckled slightly. "We had a taking-justice-into-our-own-hands approach. But you still haven't told me the rumors.""Ah, yes. Well, some people say you were
always
bad and that you're only
pretending
to be a Titan again. Personally, I think that's bullshit, of course. Some say it was simple power lust and that now you've realized power can't get you happiness. And some say you suffered from a broken heart before going rogue."The sorcerer's face remained stoic. "Interesting. I like the power lust one, let's go with that. I got carried away with all that power and now I've seen the light. I hope everyone can trust me again over time and all that. Is that good?"David narrowed his eyes and smiled. "That's not the truth though, is it?"Raven shrugged. "What even
is
the truth anyway? Such an abstract concept…""Hey there, you." Garfield said cheerfully as he approached the empath."Hi. This is David.""Nice to meet you, Changeling." The journalist excitedly shook his hand. "Actually, if you don't mind, now that I have you both here, could you address the rumors that your relationship triggered Raven's turn and maybe make a statement about your current status? There's been a lot of speculation about this and she's not giving me a lot of straightforward answers here."The shapeshifter chuckled at her affectionately. "Yeah, she does that. But sorry, man. Whatever she told you is all you're gonna get.""To be fair, I told him nothing." Raven fought back a smile. "But…listen, David. My reasons were based on painful
personal
problems. I'm not discussing them. But I
am
back.""Can you tell me if the Changeling ever cheated on you?"She rolled her eyes and looked at Garfield with an amused face. "Well? Did you?"The shapeshifter huffed in outrage then smiled at her. "Yeah, right. As if I'm dumb enough to cheat on the perfect woman."Raven smiled slightly and blushed a little. "Good point."The journalist was
extremely
excited at this point. "Are you two back together? I can't help noticing some chemistry…""We're good friends, David." The empath said breezily."Yeah. Good, old friends." Garfield smiled wider.She nodded. "Good, old, close friends.""Intimate
friends." The shapeshifter chuckled."Watch it." Raven said warningly, but her eyes were playful as she stared at him.David was fascinated. There was definitely
something
going on between them. "What about-""Listen, if you don't mind…I'd like to hang out with my friend now." She said politely.The journalist was slightly disappointed, but he'd gotten a lot out of this already, so he thanked them immensely and left them alone.Garfield took his seat. "You look
hauntingly beautiful,
by the way."Raven rolled her eyes. She knew she looked good. She was wearing a long, elegant black dress and her hair was pulled into a braided half-updo hairstyle, since it was a bit longer again. And she was wearing the necklace he'd gotten her for Christmas. "Can you keep a secret?" When he nodded, she smiled slightly. "Look down. Discreetly."The shapeshifter was a little confused but looked down anyway, and then he laughed in utter disbelief, because she had pulled the end of her long dress up a little so he could see her feet. "You're wearing combat boots?"The empath shrugged. "I needed
some
level of comfort."That's such a Raven thing to do. Garfield beamed. "Well, I like it.""You look handsome. But I'm sure over ten different girls have told you that by now."The Changeling smiled at her and spun on the seat to lean over the counter. His heart was aching again and his stomach was fluttering. He wasn't sure if it was because she looked so amazing, because she said he looked handsome or because she seemed slightly jealous. It was probably all three. "It means more when
you
say it. I was only flirting to try and get information. The mission, you know? I only have eyes for you."She raised an eyebrow at him and shot him a playful half-smile. "Player."Garfield felt a delicious squeeze on his heart. The one he always got when she flirted with him or smiled at him like that. He matched her playfulness. "Well maybe when we get home you can have your way with-""Hello, weirdos." Superboy chimed in as he casually strutted towards them with his hands in his suit's pockets.Garfield rolled his eyes and suffocated a frustrated grunt. "Conner.""You two
do
remember we are here on a mission, right? The point is to interact with people
outside
of our social group, not hang around the bar making googly eyes at each other." He chuckled charmingly.The Changeling huffed. "Well I was
just
doing that! But I couldn't find anyone with a direct connection to him so I came to rescue Rae from this nosy reporter.""And social interactions aren't my strongest suit." Raven said stoically."Actually, that's what I'm here to talk to you about." Conner leaned on the counter, ordering a drink before he went on. "Damian dug some info. Apparently he's most interested in meeting Starfire. It seems he's got a thing for her."The empath shrugged. "Well, that's understandable.""No doubt, no one is judging. Especially me." Superboy chuckled again. "But we need him to want to meet
you,
don't we? That's the whole plan."Garfield frowned. "Maybe Kor can charm him and find a smooth way to introduce Rae and-""Way ahead of you, Changeling." Conner raised a hand. "Damian said my charming self also piqued his interest, so I got a chance to talk to him myself…"Raven raised her eyebrows slightly. "Oh?""…and I told him you're my main squeeze on the side." Superboy concluded with a smirk.Garfield inhaled to contain his irritation and rolled his eyes again.Raven frowned deeply. "You said I'm your
what?"Conner took his drink and smiled smugly at her before downing it. "I think you heard me."She growled in disgust and looked away with her arms folded."Did that even work, you creep? Is he meeting her?" Garfield asked.
The sooner we finish this mission the better."Well, he definitely seemed intrigued, but skeptical. I don't think he believed me. I think he needs convincing. Also, this guy mostly seems to be drawn to power, so I'm thinking that
you and me?" Superboy gestured between him and Raven. "That would certainly get his attention. But you sitting here all night like some wallflower won't help."Garfield scoffed. "You know what, Conner? Why don't you-""I'm not making out with you at this ridiculous party to seem more interesting to some middle-aged criminal with performance issues, Superboy." Raven declared pointedly."Of course not, I wouldn't
dream
of it." Conner smirked."Then what do you suggest?" She raised an eyebrow.Superboy offered her a hand and smiled charmingly. "I was thinking you should come dance with me."The Changeling swallowed dryly and ordered a drink.
Why is he so smooth? He's so fucking good at this.Raven frowned slightly for a moment, but decided there were worse plans. So she sighed tiredly and took Conner's hand. "Ugh. Fine. Let's get this over with.""That's the spirit!" Superboy joked as she grumpily stood up.Garfield watched Conner Kent take her to the center of the room and place his hand on her waist while she rested hers on his shoulder. Conner wasn't wrong. It was a good plan. Every head turned around curiously to watch them, especially when they started moving elegantly to the classic music. He ordered another drink."You're supposed to let me lead, you know?" Superboy pointed out in an amused voice."Sorry. I've only ever danced this with Starfire when she decided to learn to surprise Dick at their wedding." Raven rolled her eyes fondly. "Anyway, I was always the guy."Conner chuckled. "That's sweet of you. Are you secretly
sweet,
destroyer of worlds?"She narrowed her eyes. "Maybe we shouldn't talk. He might notice my utter annoyance with you. Besides, I need to focus on this dancing thing."He just smiled breezily. "It's okay, I got you. Just trust me and follow my lead." When the empath rolled her eyes intently, he pulled her closer. "You need to stop doing that; we want him to think you're into me."Raven stared at him blankly. "Well then maybe stop being so obnoxious."Superboy chuckled softly again. "You're kind of funny in a mean way, aren't you?" She just shrugged nonchalantly, but he realized she was also finally letting him lead, so he shot her a sincere smile. "Hey, you did it. That's it. Much easier, see?""Not easy. It feels unnatural to me."He chuckled yet
again
and they made a few more graceful twirls."You have to admit this makes sense." Conner suddenly stated. "You. Me. We go together."Raven frowned. "Klarion used to say that to me."He grimaced apologetically. "I guess that one backfired, huh?"She smiled slightly and fought back the urge to roll her eyes. "Besides, I have no idea what you mean. I'd understand you saying that to Starfire. Actually, you probably did."Superboy smiled. "I may have said something
similar,
but…still, it's not often I find an equal match. We're on the same
level,
you know?""Oh, you're talking about power." The sorcerer smirked. "Isn't that a bit shallow?""No, not
just
power. Presence, I suppose. And you could even match my darkness. In fact, you're darker than me. It makes me curious."Raven realized he was speaking smoothly and eyeing her charmingly and openly trying to seduce her, so she frowned. "Well, I'm not curious about you. Sorry."Conner was completely unfazed. "So, listen…Lex is human again."The empath's eyes widened. "He
is!?"Superboy nodded. "He's still not a good person and I don't think he can stay away from villainous acts for too long but at least I know he's
capable
of repentance, right? And he knows it too. It's really helped me come to terms with…you know. I mean, I'm glad he's not a
total
monster. So, thank you."She smiled genuinely at him for the first time that whole night. "Conner, that's amazing. How haven't I heard about this?""I haven't told anyone yet. He's laying low until he figures out where to take his business.""Right…that makes sense.""I thought it was a good idea to tell you right now."The sorcerer chuckled softly. "Why right now?""To get a genuine smile out of you." He grinned playfully, kissing the back of her hand as the song ended.Raven allowed her face to show some amusement. "Clever.""Let's see if it worked." Conner glanced at the criminal on the corner to see him gesturing for them to approach. He turned to her again and offered his arm. "I guess it did."The empath took it and braced herself for walking towards several men with heavy auras and whisky glasses in their hands. She did her best to disguise her contempt by putting on an arrogant small smile and she gladly noticed these men were all already drunk and red in the face, which would make their quest much easier."I'm sure you've all heard of Raven." Conner grinned breezily as he introduced her. "And Raven, this…" He tilted his head towards their target. "…is Morgan Edge."The empath took a glass of champagne from a tray and confidently raised it to all of them. "Cheers." She sipped it and they drank with her. She could sense they were interested."You've caused a lot of commotion lately." One of the other men addressed her."Well…" She charmingly sipped her champagne again and smirked. "Guilty."They chuckled, growingly intrigued."You two look great together." Another man pointed out.Conner wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer. "Power knows power, right?"Raven did her best at smiling charmingly at him. "Yes, well…we're keeping it casual, though.""Of course." Superboy smirked."That dress is absolutely
stunning,
sweetheart."Sweetheart. She rolled her eyes internally at the word then detached herself from Conner to twirl around playfully. "You think so?" When they all nodded eagerly, she graced them with a slight smile. "Thank you, gentlemen.""So, tell us, dear…are you truly reformed? All your criminal days are behind you?"Dear. Raven swallowed her annoyance and smirked mischievously, sipping her champagne again. "I mean…are any of us ever
truly
reformed?"They laughed loudly in agreement and decided to toast to that. She could sense every single one of them was corrupt and figured sounding corrupt as well was the best course of action."So what made you turn?" Morgan finally engaged. He had been watching her intently so far. "And then why go back to being a hero?""I mean…I
am
half-demon. So I suppose a little mischief is simply in my blood." She leaned closer to whisper. "Don't tell anyone." When they laughed loudly again, she sighed and pretended to think about something. "As for why I stopped…well, I suppose it was getting too easy. The truth is I got bored." She shrugged nonchalantly, finishing her drink.The laughter got even louder and more excited."Taking over the crime market was too boring for you?" Morgan asked incredulously.Raven chuckled with them. "What? It's true. Having slaves
seems
like a good idea at first, but they take all the fun out of it. Again, don't tell anyone I said this. I'll deny it."More laughter. She smirked. Their guard was down. Someone got her another glass of champagne and she gracefully accepted."You were right about her." Morgan raised his glass to Conner.Raven narrowed her eyes cheekily. "What did you tell them?""That you're
wicked." Superboy said flirtatiously.The empath chuckled again. The whole thing had her being so fake she felt like taking a shower afterwards, because she was positively disgusted at this point."So you
did
enslave people." The magnate's eyes sparkled. "Tell us how."He was hooked and she knew it. Raven sipped her drink. "I can bend people's emotions to my will. And sometimes I can alter some things permanently. Like allegiance.""Would you show us? Do it to one of us. Just for fun."Time to boost his ego. "I certainly couldn't do it to
you. It's much easier on weaker minds." She smiled when she realized that had the exact effect she wanted. "But in any case, I shouldn't. Not when I've had alcohol. It's too dangerous, I could cause accidental damage on you, gentlemen." As they whined and begged as if her magic was a party trick, she chuckled. "I
suppose
I could tell your fortune." She stared directly at Morgan Edge. "That is…for those who are brave enough."He smiled mischievously at her. "Certainly."Raven handed Conner her glass without removing her eyes from her target. "Your palm, please."They were ridiculously entertained watching her trace his palm with her dainty fingers, making subtle expressions of confusion and surprise. It was all pretending, of course. She didn't need to see his palm; she just needed to distract him and touch him long enough to discreetly sneak into his mind. She also did take a peek at his future, because she needed to say
something."Your friend is sick, isn't she?"A deep frown instantly appeared on his forehead. "You're for real.""Of course I am. You should visit her this weekend. Also, you should withdraw whatever money you invested last week. Oh, and…""What?""I think I may have accidentally gotten a glimpse of your past." She looked up at him for a single genuine moment. "I'm sorry about what happened to your mother."His eyes shimmered. "You're remarkable. I'll call someone about that withdrawal tonight.""It's not an exact science, I only see likely possibilities." Raven dismissed his praise. "Now, gentlemen…it's been really nice meeting you, but I hope you don't mind if we go somewhere more…private
now." She took Superboy's hand and shot the men a charming smile."It was absolutely
delightful
to meet you." Morgan brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I hope we can keep in touch, my dear."Well I'm ruining all your plans so probably not. Raven smiled. "The pleasure was all mine."As soon as they were far enough, Conner laughed at her charming and playful expression being completely replaced by disdain as she let go of his hand."I have to say, I'm really impressed with that performance." Superboy said in a teasing voice, but he actually meant it. "That was amazing.""That
was repulsive. Those men are disgusting. I'll need
hours
of meditation."Conner grinned, thoroughly amused. "So how much did you see?""I saw an address."Superboy sent a message to everyone to let them know the mission was accomplished. They'd agreed to not leave together right after this so it didn't look suspicious, so Robin and Ravager went back with Conner and Raven while the others stayed around a while longer – Raven and Ravager were dying to get out of formal wear. Damian was a little relieved, because Rose looked really good in her red dress and it was confusing, but not as relieved as he thought he would be, because she still looked good in sweatpants.The empath pulled Robin aside, both because she wanted to talk to him and because she was trying to avoid Superboy. "Listen, I need to go meditate now, but…just so you know…I'm here if you need to talk about your feelings."Damian huffed and folded his arms. "What
feelings?"Raven raised an eyebrow at him. "Damian, I'm an empath.""Oh, right." He grimaced. "Don't tell her. Don't tell anyone.""Of course not." She said quickly and surely. "But listen, you don't need to be afraid of this. This is normal. You're okay."The young Robin sighed heavily. "You
weren't okay…it messed you up."The sorcerer frowned. "You're not me, Damian. You're human. You'll be fine.""Can't you just tell me if she feels it too?"Raven smiled. "You know I can't do that."
But she does. She's just even more clueless than you.Damian chuckled and rolled his eyes. "Ah, yes. The righteous crap is back."Bumblebee and Cyborg came back a little later. Then Starfire and Nightwing. Raven had finished her meditation by now. Victor and Richard were investigating the address she'd seen securely guarded in the criminal's mind and it was rather shady and suspicious. It was supposedly an abandoned building, strategically located when it came to criminal activities. Raven wasn't paying attention though, because Garfield hadn't come home yet and she was starting to worry."What if something happened?" She asked. "Cy?""Oh, I just called him, Rae. He said he's fine, he just wanted to enjoy the party a little longer."The empath frowned.
Enjoy it with whom? Everyone is back already. Her mind went to the girls touching his arms and smiling flirtatiously at him while tucking their hair behind their ears, chuckling at his witty comments and shooting him naughty looks. And her stomach twirled, and her chest felt tight and she felt a little sick.
Great. Jealousy again.Garfield stumbled inside around three in the morning. It had been an eventful night, so some of them were still up watching TV in the ops room, meaning Cyborg, Damian, Starfire – and Raven, of course. The empath was petting Salem on her lap and pretending to watch whatever was happening on the TV, but she turned around immediately when she felt his presence."Where were you?" Raven asked as casually as she could. "I mean, I know where you were, but…what were you
doing
in there until now?""Ah…well, I…what was I doiiiing?" Garfield frowned and stared at the ceiling.The sorcerer gently placed her kitten on the floor and floated to him. She could smell alcohol, so she folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "You're drunk."The Changeling's eyes widened. "Oh, yeah! That's what I was doing. I was drinking.""You were drinking?"
I can't believe he's doing this to me. I can't believe he's moving on already, I'm not fucking ready."Yes.""With whom?"Garfield frowned.
What does she mean with whom?
"With myself.""You stayed there two hours longer than everyone else because you were…drinking. Alone. You've been drinking alone in the fancy-people party for the past two hours." Raven stated skeptically.He narrowed his eyes and tried to focus past his dizziness. "This feels like a trap...""I just…I find that a little hard to believe.""Ooohh…well, actually I didn't." The shapeshifter said groggily. "I left the party because everyone kept wanting to talk to me there. I went to a bar.""By yourself?""Yep." Garfield watched Raven's face become absolutely distressed. She looked like she was about to cry. He
hated
seeing that look on her face. "Wait, Rae, what's wrong?""Why are you doing this to me?" She whispered to him.The Changeling was completely taken by surprise. "Wait, what? Doing what?""Did you meet someone? Why won't you tell me?" Raven was still whispering, but she didn't really care that much if the others heard her. She only cared about his answer. "I know you're single, but…" She lowered her voice a bit more. "I thought we weren't going to act as if we had no feelings for each other."Garfield frowned. "Huh? I'm not! I told you, I was
alone.""Okay." She said quickly, and then she bit her lip. It was hard to tell if he was being sincere when he was drunk. His feelings were all messy and fuzzy. "I'm not trying to distrust you, I just…it's weird, okay? I'm sorry. Why were you drinking by yourself for two hours?"Garfield stumbled over to the kitchen.
Because of you, love.
"Why do you wanna know?"Raven scoffed and folded her arms. "Seriously?"The shapeshifter leaned against the counter and sighed. Then he drunkenly pointed a finger at her. "You." He dramatically brought that same hand to his chest. "You
rip
my heart out and
smash
it."The empath frowned slightly.
Wait, what?"That's okay, though." Garfield sighed again, heading to the fridge to find something to eat while muttering sadly. "You get to do that, I deserve it.""What are you talking about? You're the one who stayed Azar knows where until three in the morning, came home drunk and won't be straightforward about it. You're the one doing the ripping and smashing." Raven said calmly. She knew everyone in the ops room was listening intently at this point. They'd even lowered the volume on the TV.The Changeling found soy milk and drank from the bottle. Then he stared at her in confusion. "Wait, what do you
think
I was doing?""Well, I…" She rubbed her left arm with her right hand and looked away. "I don't know…I want to believe you. If you say you were alone, then…you were alone. I just, it's not like you. I guess I freaked out a little."Wait, I don't want her to freak out. Is she jealous? Just tell her the truth.
"Rae, I was drinking alone because watching you with Perfect Boy messed me up. I know I'm not your boyfriend, but…I don't know, it kinda sucked. I tried drowning my feelings before I came home so they wouldn't hurt you. I'm sorry you freaked out."Raven frowned. "Hold on, this was about Conner?"Garfield scowled at his name. "Isn't
everything?" He went back to drinking soy milk to avoid sounding even bitterer.Her first instinct was being annoyed, but then she thought about his perspective of things. She knew there was no real flirting – at least on her part – because she was there, but he wasn't. The room was too loud and he probably couldn't hear a word they said. All he saw was them twirling around and laughing and Conner kissing her hand and resting his hand on her lower back and…I should have seen this one coming, actually.
She had been too caught up in her own discomfort after that mission to think about what it might have looked like.Raven took a deep breath. "Gar. Beast Boy."He put the milk bottle down and raised his eyebrows at her.
Is this where she tells me she fell for him tonight?Raven opened her mouth with a serious look on her face, but then she stopped and chuckled softly, because he had a milk mustache. "You…"Garfield's blurry thoughts became a little desperate.
Fuck, she's laughing at me. "What? What is it?!""You have a…here." She walked up to him with affectionate eyes and tenderly wiped the milk off his face with a napkin.Oh, good. He smiled idiotically at her sweetness and his heart started pounding.
She's so close. She's so pretty. "Awesome."Raven rolled her eyes fondly and whispered her next words intently. "Gar, I don't know what you thought you were watching but there's nothing between me and Conner. I danced with him and let him touch me for the mission, that's it."Garfield narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "…that's it?""Yes, obviously. The whole thing was so phony it made me sick and I just wanted to leave. It didn't occur to me that you were probably freaking out. I'm sorry. I don't like Conner like that. I like
you
like that." She assured him through a small smile. "You should have just come home; I would have told you this sooner."The Changeling smiled absentmindedly at her words.
She doesn't like him like that. She likes ME like that. His grin became gigantic. "Oh, I…are you sure?"Raven giggled quietly. "Yes, dork."His heart soared and he chuckled sheepishly. "I guess I got a little jealous…sorry.""That's okay. I got jealous tonight too. Next time just talk to me instead of punishing your liver, okay?"Probably should have done that. I could have been with her this whole time instead of depressed and alone.
"Yeah, ok- wait, you got jealous too?"Raven rolled her shoulders back. "With all those women hitting on you? I'm not made of stone. And then when you didn't come home, I thought…you know." She placed her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow. "You don't need to be so ridiculously happy about it."Garfield realized he was smiling too wide and regained control of his face. "Er- sorry! So…" He pulled her closer and whispered cheekily. "Wanna play a little?""Well, I
had
plans, but now I'm really tired and you're still drunk." Raven sighed. But then he whined cutely and pouted and she couldn't help but chuckle. "I
guess
maybe we can cuddle."The shapeshifter grinned and nodded excitedly before being pulled away by the hand towards her room."The level of soppiness in this tower is becoming alarming." Damian said pointedly once they were gone, making Cyborg chuckle happily and Starfire giggle.

Way Back into Love (Music and Lyrics)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"Have you seen this!?" Cyborg rushed in excitedly, showing the Changeling's sketches of the Sirens on their thrones to both Starfire and Bumblebee.Kory's eyes glistened as she floated into the air and admired the shapeshifter's artistic skills. "Those are
the sick!" She turned to Damian. "Is that the correct use of the word?""Sure." Robin came closer to check out the drawings. "Woah, those
are
sick.""Good job, man!" Victor praised his friend."Thanks." The Changeling answered breezily from where he was watching TV."Let me see." Ravager came closer too and a mischievous grin appeared on her face. "Nice.""Hawt." Bumblebee smirked playfully, earning a delighted grin from her boyfriend.Superboy passed by them and glanced at the sketches when he heard Karen's comment. "Agreed.""Why don't
we
have thrones?" Bumblebee asked. "I kinda like the idea."Starfire beamed. "Oh that would be marvelous! I do miss sitting on one.""Oh, that's right. You're like, alien royalty." Rose Wilson addressed the Tamaranean, folding her arms and leaning against the wall."A Princess, actually." Starfire said sweetly."Sure, why not?" Cyborg chuckled. "We'll just move
these
ones into the ops room."Karen grinned mischievously at him. "That's a great idea, actually. Do it.""Someone can have mine. I've been there and done that." Raven said blankly from the kitchen where she was making her tea."Dibs." Ravager raised her hand into the air at once. Raven's was her favorite throne."Then I shall have the colorful one!" Kory smiled. "But I'll remove all the blood stains."Bumblebee nodded. "I'll take the gold one."Cyborg frowned. "Guys, I'm not actually moving four thrones into the ops room.""Why not?" Karen raised an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips."Well, it…it doesn't go with our decoration…" Victor awkwardly tried to explain himself. "Where's Dick to agree with me when I need him?" He looked around to see no Richard."Doomsday, you
do
look freaking badass in this." Damian said with a hint of a smile, still referring to the drawing of her seated on a dark throne with a crown on her head.Raven leaned against the wall with the best-friends mug Starfire gave her in her hands and smiled slightly. "It
is
a bit of a rush." She shrugged and sipped her tea."You're the prettiest one too." Kory said through a huge grin.Superboy nodded from where he was now seated on the couch next to Garfield. "True."Raven rolled her eyes. "That's just because Gar drew them. He's biased." She said before she could think about it.
Shit, was it okay to say that?Ravager smirked teasingly. "Because
love
is blind?""Because Rae's my muse. Besides, she
is
the prettiest one." The Changeling shrugged happily.Raven felt so relieved at his reaction she smiled absentmindedly. He really was more confident and comfortable in his own skin and she loved watching it.Conner chuckled. "Well that's so-""Guys? It's time." Nightwing came in seriously."Yeah, yeah, okay, sure, dude." Cyborg said before putting the drawings in front of Dick's nose. "But have you
seen
these? BB made them!"Richard frowned in confusion before taking a step back so he could understand what he was looking at. "Oh." He smiled. "Those are actually really good."Garfield jumped to his feet. "Thanks, man! So, are we doing this or what?"They entered the allegedly abandoned building unseen and it definitely wasn't abandoned. Raven had cast her spell to make them invisible to others again – even Garfield, because he argued he could need to change into something big at some point. They scattered around the building and everyone found
some
kind of illegal activity going on. Eventually, Nightwing sent them his location and told his team to meet him there. When they found him, the Boy Wonder was standing in front of several screens with images from the security cameras, with a dozen unconscious men on the floor after being knocked out by him.Cyborg immediately sat in front of the computer and started downloading footage and data. Once he started decoding secret files, he smiled. Someone had definitely been turning a blind eye to this, but he was about to make that impossible. "Well, Morgan Edge's name shows up a lot. Also, apparently they sided with Darkseid at some point. This isn't even their main headquarter. But I'm getting everything; it'll just take a few minutes."Superboy leaned forward to read Cyborg's data. "Intergang?
I know these guys. Superman gave them trouble a few months ago. I guess that's why they're looking for a new town…""Man, look at this." Nightwing stated, staring at the screens. "They do everything. Gun trafficking, illegal organ trade, fraud…"Krypto barked at one particular image and they all glanced at it and either frowned or flinched. It was a dark room with several animals locked in cages. Most of them were malnourished and injured, not to mention extremely sad."Wildlife smuggling." Raven whispered before sharing a look with the Changeling. She could sense his anger.As Nightwing explained the plan was to not engage and make everything public because even someone that powerful would go down with
this
level of incontestable proof against him, she took the opportunity to slowly step closer to Garfield. He was stiff and in agony and she knew why. Some of those animals could be dead or gone by the time the authorities got there.

Do you want to set them free?

The shapeshifter's eyes widened at the sound of her voice inside his head, but he instantly turned his neck to give her a quick nod and a slight smile. Raven discreetly touched his elbow and they disappeared into the wall, reappearing inside a room full of cages as she quickly involved the cameras in shadows. The animals felt agitated, sensing there was
someone
around even though they couldn't see them.Garfield felt sick as he looked around the room. "Shit…"The sorcerer placed her hand on the wall for support and closed her eyes in agony.He noticed her distress. "Rae?""I just…I can sense them."Oh, shit.
Garfield touched her shoulder lightly and whispered. "What can I do?"Raven looked at his face and saw his watery eyes.
He's so sweet worrying about me when this is excruciating for him too.
She smiled sadly and reached out to softly caress his cheek with her thumb. "Can you talk to them? Tell them we're here to help. I'll make them see you."Garfield nodded and planted a light, devoted kiss on her hand then walked towards the cages. At first the animals were nervous to see a strange human there, but then he started shapeshifting, calming them and telling them they would set them free.She could breathe a lot better now. "Thank you."The Changeling walked to her in human form again. "Some of them need healing. Do you think you have it in you…? If you don't, don't push it.""Don't be silly, of course I do." Raven made herself visible to the animals. "You told them about me?"He nodded and smiled at her as she opened cages with dark energy and healed the wounded animals with no fear of being attacked. "And I was thinking, do you remember that Wildlife Reserve we went to on that date when I was trying to convince you to go vegan?""You mean when you tricked me into eating tofu? How could I forget?" Raven had learned a lot about vegan food when she was hurt and learned to cook to feel useful, but she still didn't love tofu.Garfield chuckled. "Hey, I really thought you wouldn't know the difference!"She rolled her eyes. "Well, it's a good idea. I can open a portal. Some of these species might need to be shipped back to their countries but they have a better shot if they're found at the Reserve.""There's just one more thing…" The Changeling said sheepishly.Raven looked up from where she was healing an injured tiger and raised an eyebrow. "What?""They kinda want revenge."The empath turned to the animals in surprise, but as someone who had spent eight months in captivity, she fully understood them. She sighed and caressed the completely healed tiger, looking up at Garfield. "Well, I guess we already gathered all the evidence we need…what difference does it make if they cause a little trouble?"The Changeling grinned enormously at her. "Precisely.""Tell them to come back here for the portal and not take too long." She said, unlocking the rest of the cages. "Also, no killing."Seconds later, complete chaos was installed. At first the animals had a hard time stretching outside their cages after being restricted for so long, but anger is a powerful motivator. They wrecked most of the facilities and made sure to terrify those who'd tortured them. Richard and the others frowned in confusion then smiled incredulously back in the control room. Krypto flew around in celebration. They had been too engaged in conversation and going over all the evidence they had collected to notice Raven and the Changeling were gone. By the time Nightwing suspiciously turned around, they were both innocently standing behind him.Starfire beamed at the screens. "The animals broke loose!"Bumblebee smiled. It was a fun chaos to watch. "How on Earth did
that
happen?!""Should we do something?" Cyborg asked. "I mean, they could hurt someone, they're probably scared and angry…what if they leave the building?""Oh, I don't think that's necessary…I'm sure it will be fine." Garfield shrugged, earning a quizzical stare from everyone else.Raven pointed at the screens. "He's right, look. They're disengaging already."They were even more confused to turn around and see all the animals going back to the room they had escaped from minutes ago, especially since now they noticed the security footage from that particular room was just a black screen."They probably destroyed the cameras." The Changeling said, fighting back a smile.When the Titans got there to control the situation, there was nothing but open cages. The room was empty and all the animals were gone."What the…" Nightwing looked around, scratching his head.Garfield was quite openly struggling not to laugh, but Raven had a perfectly innocent and confused frown on her face."Where did they go!?" Kory asked, flying around and looking behind and under small places.Richard narrowed his eyes and turned to the empath, because these animals had magically disappeared and there was only one magically gifted person there.Raven shrugged and faked astonishment. "…weird."The leader noticed the hint of playfulness in her voice and sustained his suspicious stare. He certainly noticed the Changeling biting his lip to hold back laughter and hurriedly leaving the room. A slight smile appeared on the Boy Wonder's face. "Yes…weird."Nightwing gathered everyone again once they headed back to the tower."So…what happened in there? Those guys just broke loose all at the same time and then vanished." Karen pondered, rubbing her chin. "Do you guys think they were experimenting on them and now there's a bunch of wild animals with super-powers running around?"Krypto barked excitedly at the idea.Richard folded his arms with an amused expression on his face. "Actually, I think
we
may have had something to do with that." He turned to the empath and the shapeshifter on his team. "Do you two have anything to say?"Now even Raven was clearly fighting back a smile.The Changeling grinned and coyly made circles on the floor with his foot. "There may have been a small shenanigan."Everyone but Nightwing was surprised at first, mostly because they hadn't even noticed their disappearance during the mission, but then they all just smiled.Richard tried to look stern and severe, because he wanted to scold them for taking this kind of risk, but he couldn't sustain it. He couldn't really be angry at them for this particular bit. "A small shenanigan, huh?"Raven shrugged innocently. "Just a tiny one."Dick chuckled lightly and rubbed his temples. "Where are they now?""The Wildlife Reserve a couple miles from here." The empath answered plainly.Nightwing nodded. "Why didn't you ask me?""I mean, you would have said no." Garfield started counting on his fingers. "You'd say, noo that's too dangerous because humans can get hurt, something can go wrong, we could be exposed, etcetera, etcetera."Richard Grayson rolled his eyes and smirked. "Well,
maybe
I would have been right.""Dick? You know I have your back." Raven said softly. "But…they were in
so
much pain."That softened Nightwing's expression even more."Yeah I mean, we couldn't just
leave
them there!" Garfield exclaimed."Of
course
you couldn't." Starfire agreed emphatically.Richard chuckled. "Well, I guess there are worse shenanigans than this."Raven smiled softly and Garfield beamed. Nightwing rolled his eyes fondly and turned to his extremely proud girlfriend to see her smiling suggestively at him. He cleared his throat and blushed a little. "Actually, uh…good job, team. Let's take the rest of the day off, yeah?"Everyone celebrated and went to attend to their own business while Dick took Kory out on a date.The Changeling was still looking sideways and watching the empath as she picked up Salem from the floor to scratch his back. "Can you sense me right now?""I can always sense you, Garfield. Your feelings are extremely…loud." She raised an amused eyebrow at him.He chuckled and scratched the back of his neck. "Right…well, anyway. That was fun."
And also you're a freaking treasure and the world doesn't deserve you and I love you so much.Raven nodded calmly in agreement. "Yes, it was rather satisfying. So listen, I'm not going vegan, but…maybe
I could try that tofu stuff again."Garfield's eyes filled with bliss. "Really!?
Woah,
awesome!
I can make you a-""Hey, weirdos." Conner came up to them in his usual cool manner. "So, that was nice of you."The shapeshifter relaxed and smiled when he realized he wasn't there to hit on Raven for once. "Thanks!""Krypto is a little upset he was left out." Superboy chuckled.Raven addressed the Kryptonian dog. "Sorry, Krypto. It's just that…well, everyone would notice if
you
were gone."The alien dog seemed pleased with that explanation, especially after Garfield changed into a green version of him to play around."Yo, BB! Wanna play video games?" Cyborg shouted at the green dog.The Changeling turned human again and hesitated. He wanted to, but that involved leaving Raven and Conner alone and that made him a little fearful. He could tell even if none of the girls had cheated on their boyfriends with Superboy, they weren't indifferent to him. Raven seemed unfazed so far, but she was difficult to read. Maybe underneath it all she was just as charmed as the others.
Well yeah but I can't keep her from spending time with him. And I can't make her like me better than him by being possessive.
He nodded merrily and went to join Cyborg on the couch after shooting her one more grateful smile.The empath floated silently to the roof and Superboy soon joined her. She sighed without turning around from where she was staring at the horizon. "May I help you?""In many ways." Conner smirked, going to stand beside her. When she rolled her eyes intently, he laughed. "Sorry, force of habit. I just want some peace and quiet."Raven was a little suspicious, because there sure was lust pouring out of him, but then again, it was Conner. She sighed and nodded, not averting her gaze, and got distracted watching the sunset as the way the soft colors mixed in the sky made her feel peaceful. That is, until she felt a hand suddenly tucking her hair behind her ear. The sorcerer leaned back slightly to get out of his reach and shot him a questioning look.Conner chuckled. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."She frowned. "What
did
you mean to do, Kon-El?"He smirked seductively. "I think you know.""Okay, let's address this. You need to stop this.""Stop what?" Conner smiled innocently."This.
Pursuing me.""Or maybe you can just stop resisting me instead." He said confidently.Raven stared at him incredulously. "I think your inflated self-esteem and perfect record have confused you. I like you, Conner, but…not like that. I'm trying to be your friend, but it's hard when you keep making me uncomfortable around you.""So you're saying you're not even a
little
bit interested in me." Superboy said skeptically.She rolled her eyes.
Be nice. "You're a very interesting person, Conner. But no, I'm not interested in you in that way. I
am
flattered, even though this is clearly some competitive desire to prove a point, but-""Okay, I'll admit to that. You
are
a bit of a challenge and I like that. But I actually do like you, Raven. I'm not
that
shallow. I find you fascinating."The empath smiled slightly. "I'm sure you like all the girls you get with, Conner. I know you're not a
complete
asshole – though I have no idea why you want people to think you are one. But it's not going to happen. The thing is…I'm kind of in love with Gar."Superboy exhaled. He saw this one coming. "I actually know that. I was hoping I could get you curious enough to want to try something different before you get back together or something. I mean, you've only ever dated Klarion other than him and-""I didn't date Klarion, I used him as a distraction." Raven corrected him stoically. "And I don't need to try something different to know what I have."Conner sighed, beginning to lose hope. "No chance of changing your mind? I mean, you don't actually
have
him at the moment…"Raven shrugged. "Sorry. Whether we're together or not, I love him. Like, a lot. It's actually a little annoying. It's like, physically painful."Superboy frowned and stared at her with surprise on his face. He hadn't expected her to be that straightforward about it. "Huh. I wonder what that feels like." He cleared his throat and decided to make one last effort, smiling charmingly. "But you know…people hook up while still being in love with their ex
all
the time."She folded her arms and narrowed her eyes. "Well, I'm not
people.
I'm Raven."Conner chuckled whole-heartedly at that and she gave him a friendly smile.After a few seconds, he chuckled again. "You know…I think if he finds out you still love him that much he'll pass out or something."Raven glared daggers at him. "Don't you
dare."He laughed louder. "Don't worry; my lips are sealed. I'm not trying to get cursed."The sorcerer relaxed a little. "It's just that we're still…you know. And he would freak out. Just give me time. I'll probably tell him eventually."Superboy smiled genuinely. "Yeah okay, destroyer of worlds. I got you."Raven shot him a grateful look."Well, I actually only came out here to hit on you, so I'll leave you to your stimulating silently staring out the bay and all that.""Much appreciated."Garfield had been so preoccupied with trying to beat Cyborg he almost forgot his previous concerns, but he was still relieved when Conner strutted back into the ops room and collapsed on the couch next to him with a heavy sigh. If he was here, he wasn't somewhere charming Raven and making her fall in love with him."Well…I give up." Superboy said casually."On what, dude?" Cyborg asked without looking away from the game."Raven. I give up." Conner answered calmly.The Changeling immediately dropped the controller, forgetting all about the game, and hastily turned around to stare at him with shocked eyes. He needed to analyze his reaction before allowing hope or relief into his heart; Conner could be messing with him. "You
do!?"Cyborg calmly put the controller down, because he also wanted to know if this was for real. Bumblebee would want details when he shared this particular gossip with her later.Superboy shrugged and grinned. "Yeah, man. You win."Garfield scoffed. "She's not a prize, Conner."The other boy sustained his easy smile. "I only meant I know when I'm rejected." He chuckled. "Although I'm not that familiar with the feeling, and honestly, not a fan."The shapeshifter narrowed his eyes.
That sounds a little too good to be true. Maybe it's a prank.
"So you're saying you're not gonna chase her at all anymore?""I mean, I can't help being my charming self." Superboy smirked. "But yeah, she doesn't want me. If I don't stop at this point, it gets creepy. Besides, there are
a lot
of women out there."Garfield continued eyeing him suspiciously. "So she rejected you, then? Like, for good?""Undoubtedly." Conner nodded. "And get that paranoid look off your face, I'm telling the truth."Cyborg's face slowly approached the Changeling's as the half-robot whispered to his best friend. "Dude, I think he means that."He means that. He's not hitting on her anymore. She told him she doesn't want him. She doesn't want him. She wants me, though. Garfield's expression switched to a blissful and idiotic grin as his heart fluttered freely.Superboy laughed. "There you go. You got it." He gave the shapeshifter's arm a light, friendly punch before standing up. "Anyway, just thought I should let you know. Now if you excuse me, I'm going anywhere else because Boy Wonder and Starfire got back and all the sweet-talking is already making me nauseous."The Changeling and Cyborg both chuckled whole-heartedly."Conner?" Garfield called before he left. "What exactly did she say?"Superboy smiled. "I'm afraid I can't tell you that, Changeling. But you'd like it."The shapeshifter beamed, suddenly feeling on cloud nine – though still bursting with curiosity. "But did she, like, mention
me
or something?""Sorry, I've said too much already." Conner stated before flying off.A couple of weeks went by and things settled down. Intergang's criminal operations were dismantled and regular crime was once again easily kept in check by the Titans in Jump City, so they focused on the League of Assassins and trying to predict their next move. It wasn't easy though, because if it were easy they wouldn't be the League of Assassins. Damian was on edge most of the time, snapping at people and feeling angry like he used to when he first got to Titan Tower, and Dick was getting worried. Robin was sick of the waiting; he wanted to get the situation handled already. He couldn't get his grandfather telling him his friends would die one by one unless he joined him out of his head."Hey there, sexy witch." Garfield whispered to Raven while she made her morning tea.The empath glared at him. "To what do we owe all this dangerous audacity?"He smiled cheekily at her. "I chatted with Salem last night."She narrowed her eyes. "What did he tell you?"Garfield shrugged, faking indifference. "Oh, just that he thinks you still love me.""I see. Well, he's a cat. What does
he
know?"He knows YOU. The Changeling's smile grew wider. "I guess you're right. Still, I was thinking about maybe getting lost on my way to my room tonight."They had been finding their way to each other's rooms every other night. Garfield usually asked Raven in advance if he could pay her a late night visit because he wanted to respect her space. He could tell she wasn't completely over everything that happened, but she was trying to find a way to be. He could tell she was trying to find the closest to happiness and peace that she could get, and he just wanted to help, so he was more respectful of her boundaries than ever. Still, Garfield was gratefully surprised to find out that more often than not, she did want his late night visits. And a few days ago on Rita's birthday, he didn't tell anyone, but he felt blue all day. He did a great job at hiding it, but she obviously sensed it. And then Raven knocked on his door at night, kissed his tears away and held him to sleep."Mmm." The empath hummed, frowning at the teenage boy standing quietly by the window, distracted by his heavy aura and agonizing feelings. Damian had been weird lately."Rae? Are you listening to me?"His hand waving in front of her made her snap out of it. "Oh, sorry. What did you say?""Ouch." The Changeling playfully brought his hand to his chest.Raven rolled her eyes fondly. "Sorry, I've been worried about Damian.""Oh. Yeah, he's been quieter and moodier than usual. Are you picking up on bad vibes?"She nodded. "Definitely.""Maybe you should talk to him.""I tried. Dick tried too. He doesn't want to talk about it. I hope this Ra's al Ghul's situation doesn't go on for much longer.""Yeah. The only time I see him smile these days is around Rose."The empath's face instantly filled with amusement. "That's
sweet, isn't it?"Garfield grinned. "It's
so sweet!
I mean, what are they waiting for!?""Shhh." Raven shushed the shapeshifter, since he'd forgotten to whisper and Damian was standing
right there.
"Anyway, what were you saying?""Oh I was just asking if-""Titans, trouble!"The trouble alarm interrupted Garfield's second attempt and he wondered if he was being punished by Radiant or some other higher entity since these attacks seemed to have a personal cock-blocking mission against him lately.Raven frowned when she saw the look on Nightwing's face. "Who is it, Dick?""It's uh…it's the Witch Boy."Good thing I meditated earlier.
She scowled. "Great. Just what I needed."The Changeling felt his blood boil when they got to the cemetery. Klarion had several people holding knives to their own throats or pointing guns at their own heads; hands encased in mystical smoke."One wrong move and they die." The warlock hissed. "And don't even
think
about releasing them. I'll kill them first.""Fine, let's talk." Raven said sternly. "What do you want?"Klarion started tossing things inside a cauldron while staring at her. "What do you
think!?"The empath sighed tiredly. "Seriously?"Conner leaned closer to Garfield and Victor to whisper to them. "See? This is what it looks like when people don't know when to quit.""No, Raven! You don't get to do that." The Witch Boy said angrily. "You don't get to let me touch you, smile at me and then take it back! We
shared
things. We shared
intimate
spells."The Titans exchanged quizzical stares with one another.Raven rolled her eyes and folded her arms. "Oh, cry me a river, Klarion."The warlock grunted in frustration. "See!?
That…you…ugh, you're just such a
bitch!
But no worries. I'm going to
fix
you.""You knew what we were the whole time. And what do you mean
fix me?" She took a step forward to see what kind of spell he was working on, but the knives immediately pressed against people's throats, making them whimper, and she stopped at once.
Shit, he's serious. He'll kill them.
"Okay, Klarion. You win. Let these people go and I'll come with you."Garfield clenched his fists and prepared to step forward, but Cyborg stopped him with a hand on his arm. The shapeshifter looked at his friend and exhaled. He was so tense his muscles were aching.
It's okay. He doesn't have those bracelets anymore. She can escape him later."What, so you can turn on me as soon as possible and go back to your precious
friends
and your precious
tower
and your precious
beast?!
I don't
think
so, no! That's
not
good enough anymore." He continued hastily throwing things inside the cauldron and clouds of smoke would rise into the air in small blasts.Raven frowned.
This seems a bit too dramatic even for him. "Are you drunk?""I did
everything
for you. I refrained from
murdering people
for you."More quizzical stares were exchanged between the Titans. If the whole thing wasn't so dangerous, it would be a little funny."That's not as gallant as you think, Klarion." She stated tiredly. "You're embarrassing yourself. And more importantly, you're embarrassing
me.""Damn, destroyer of worlds. You drive men insane." Conner chuckled slightly, earning a glare from several Titans and hostages.Raven huffed in frustration. "This is
not
on me, he's just-""I'm gonna make you mine
for good." The warlock smiled wickedly at her."What are you talking about, creep?" Ravager asked impatiently."Love spell." Klarion said just as a giant smoke cloud rose into the air."Wait, what?" Nightwing frowned. "Love spell?
Is that a thing?"The Changeling felt his stomach twirl."Hence the cemetery." The warlock spread his arms wide. "Remember, Raven? We used to come here all the time. Plus, it's loaded with mystical energy and heartache. It's perfect."Raven was growing slightly more concerned. "Isn't this a bit excessive, Klarion?""Give me something of yours. That cloak will do."She frowned. "Why don't we just calm down and-""NOW,
Raven!" Klarion shouted menacingly. "I need something
personal.""Okay, listen." The empath slowly removed her cloak. "Let's talk about this. There's a reason you've never tried this before. These spells are unstable and unpredictable.""Wait, what do you mean unstable and unpredictable?" Garfield asked in a high-pitched voice."I said
now." The Witch Boy demanded. "Or watch them die."One of the hostages sliced her throat and fell to the floor, quickly bleeding to death. The others cried, the Titans despaired and Raven's eyes widened."Okay, Klarion." She said in a desperate voice. "I give you the cloak and you let me save her.""Sure, my love."Raven tossed her cloak to his hands and floated to the bleeding woman's side. Her eyes and hands glowed white as she quickly sealed the open wound and the bleeding stopped. The woman stared at her with grateful eyes. She was weak, but she would live."Klarion, these spells go wrong all the time…" The empath turned her attention back to him."Klarion, stop." Richard said urgently. "This isn't, uh…" He frowned and turned to Starfire, looking for what to say. She just widened her eyes and tilted her head as if encouraging him to go on. "This isn't healthy, man."Nightwing realized that wasn't the best argument, because the Witch Boy clearly didn't care about what was healthy, but he had no idea how to get through to him, so when the other Titans stared at him questioningly, he just shrugged apologetically."Klarion, that's too much." Raven worriedly stood up and coughed at all the smoke flying around. "You're messing it up."The warlock grinned wider. "Oh, it will work. I'm just increasing the doses. I don't just want to make you love me. I'm making you fall
madly
in love with me. I'll have your undivided
devotion." He could see that now she was paying attention, because while her face remained stoic, he could see her eyes widen a little in concern. "You're gonna fall to your knees and
beg
me to take you. You'll be so in love with me it will
consume
you."Garfield saw red. A dangerous growl rose from his chest making the Witch Boy – and everyone else – look at him. He wasn't sure which was worse: the idea that the spell could go terribly wrong or the idea that it could work. When he spoke again, the fire in his eyes and his low, menacing tone were chilling. "I'll kill you."The warlock would have been scared after what the Changeling had done to him. The only reason he waited this long to strike again was because he had been recovering and healing. But he'd anticipated this. "The thing is, she will love me.
She
won't let you
touch me,
Beast.""Klarion, wait! The Werebeast is immune to my magic too. And I can't keep him from changing anymore. He
will
kill you." Raven said quickly.
Azar, please don't let him do this to me.The Witch Boy scoffed. "So? You'll just possess Superboy there and have
him
defend me and kill the Beast." He pointed at a now pale and wide-eyed Conner. "You'll do it for me. You'll do anything for me. Now…" He held her cloak over the cauldron. It was the only thing missing.Raven widened her eyes and spoke faster than she ever had before. "Klarion, never mind the creepiness of this plan, you can't go through with it! It will fuck up my powers and probably unleash Trigon!"The Titans cursed loudly at the realization and urged the warlock to stop, but if any of them even flinched, someone made a small cut to their neck. Conner thought about using super-speed, but there were too many people and if even one of the ones with a gun fired, he didn't think Raven could fix
that."You think I give a fuck about what your father does to this world? We're not staying anyway; you're too
attached
to it. You and I will find a nice hellish dimension to rule together."What the fuck is happening!?
Was on everyone's minds, but especially Garfield's. And then Klarion dropped the cloak in the cauldron and the cemetery was involved in purple fog as an energy blast sent him flying backwards, releasing the hostages, who immediately ran away. Everyone else was frozen in fear until the fog dissipated slightly."R-Raven?" The Changeling asked with a tight heart.
Please be okay. And please don't be in love with him.
She was still standing there, just as stoically as before.The sorcerer exhaled. "I…I don't feel any different."Every Titan immediately sighed in relief. It only took them a second to angrily redirect their attention to the warlock, but he had already disappeared in a frustrated smoke cloud."So…that was…intense." Bumblebee said cautiously.Raven inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.
Thank you, Azar. Thank you, God. Just, thank you. When she exhaled and opened her eyes again, the Changeling was in front of her, watching her closely and worriedly."Are you sure you're okay?" He whispered.She smiled softly at him. "Well, I-""Raven, your ex
sucks!" Cyborg exclaimed. "Seriously, out of all the rebound warlocks you could have dated…"The empath gasped quietly. "We didn't even date. He's just a psycho."Ravager folded her arms. "And apparently not very good at what he does.""That part is weird." Raven looked around, trying to find anything out of the ordinary. "He's not incompetent. I understand the spell not working, but…something
should have happened."The others frowned and looked around as well, but they found nothing. Nightwing exhaled. "Maybe we should just go home."Once they got back to the tower, Garfield gently pulled Raven aside."Are you sure you're okay? You seem distracted." He asked her with huge eyes."I…I just have a feeling something did happen. That something is wrong.""Well, something
is. You have a stalker." Damian said pointedly, leaning against the wall.Her face softened. "Yes…maybe that's all it is. Maybe I'm worrying too mu-""AHH!" Starfire came flying into the ops room with a horrified expression on her face.Nightwing was by her side in a heartbeat. "What's wrong?"Kory just pointed at the corridor and everyone followed her gaze. And then they gasped loudly."Hey, guys!
Soo
glad you're here, because I am
bored!" A green-cloaked Raven emerged and confidently placed her hands on her hips. "Can we go kick some villainous ass, please?""What…that…how…?" Conner frowned, looking back and forth between cloak-less Raven and green-cloaked Raven.The empath exchanged a look with Garfield and Cyborg. They all knew who that was. She teleported to her room and came back seconds later, with her meditation mirror in her hand.Raven's eyes were fiery. "That imbecile's spell cracked my mirror."Nightwing frowned in confusion. "Your
mirror?""Shit." Cyborg's eyes widened."Oh
nooo." Garfield cradled his head."Will
one
of you please explain to the rest of us what's going on!?" Richard asked them. "Why are there two Ravens?""I'll go in and find out how many got out." The sorcerer told Garfield surely. "You and Cyborg can fill them in."The Changeling nodded at her and she floated to her room at once, holding the mirror to her chest. Garfield and Victor told the others everything that happened when the shapeshifter decided to pop a pimple in front of her magical mirror all those years ago. Green sat down on the couch with them to listen intently and leaned back smugly, cheering at her parts."So you're telling me there are several Ravens on the loose, and unlike
our
Raven, they only embody one aspect of her personality and are therefore much more likely to lose control?" Nightwing asked in a serious and urgent voice."Relax, Dick." Green said in a cool manner. "Each of us only has like, a tiny fraction of Raven's – or our – full power.""That can still do some damage…" Starfire bit her lip.Green chuckled whole-heartedly. "I suppose we can." Then she went to Garfield's side and smiled enormously at him. "You're really different from the last time I saw you." Her eyes shimmered approvingly and affectionately. "I like it."The Changeling blushed and smiled coyly. "Ah…I, ah…thank you.""And which one are
you?" Bumblebee narrowed her eyes at the green-cloaked figure.She puffed her chest. "You can call me Bravery or Confidence, but I prefer Tenacity.""Raven!" Garfield shouted when the real deal reentered the ops room. "Well!?""Other than Green here, we need to find Pink, Purple, Red and Black. Get them all here so I can send them back and fix this."
Well this has the potential to be embarrassing enough to haunt me for life.
"We should find Red fast, too. She's my wrath. She's weakened, but still…"Starfire nodded surely. "Where could she be?""Oh, she's
definitely
going after Klarion." Tenacity said pointedly. "To kill him."Raven closed her eyes and sighed.
Shit. Of course she is. I mean, I am. Part of me.Nightwing quickly regained his composure. "Alright. You guys start looking around town. We need to bring them back before anything bad happens.""What are you doing?" Conner asked when the Titan leader stood up and pulled out his communicator."I'm calling the Titans East. We could use some help."

Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The Titans scattered around Jump City looking for Raven's rogue emoticlones. Richard, Damian, Rose and Raven herself stayed behind in case any of her parts decided to go back to the tower. As soon as the Titans East got there, the empath noticed weird feelings between Terra and Speedy. Speedy seemed in love, but Terra felt less intensely about him than before. And she could swear she sensed something between the blonde and Aqualad, which is why she was slightly concerned when Nightwing told the trio to join Superboy in his search, but she couldn't tell anyone why, so she kept it to herself. Mas and Menos joined Bumblebee and Cyborg while Jinx and Kid Flash joined Starfire and the Changeling."So how did this happen again?" The enchantress asked through an inappropriately wide smile. She was too excited about the whole thing."Raven's bitter warlock ex can't get over being dumped." Garfield muttered.Kid Flash raised an eyebrow. "So he's…what? Trying to mess with her?""Actually, he meant to make her do the falling in love with him." Kory explained."Ohh." Jinx nodded, chuckling wickedly. "Those spells
always
go wrong.""So we've heard." The shapeshifter said grumpily.Wally frowned. "But if there's a bunch of Ravens on the loose, how haven't we heard anyth-"He was interrupted by their communicators ringing. It was Bumblebee."Guys? There have been reports of Raven at the karaoke club. You're closer."The Changeling exhaled in relief. He had been tense and dreading sudden bad news ever since they found out what Klarion's spell did. "Thanks, Bumble! We got it!"It was Pink, of course. As soon as Garfield, Kory, Wally and Jinx entered the club, they heard her singing
Titanium (David Guetta, Sia). She sounded good, but it was different from her usual singing – less breathy and ethereal. Instead, it was firm, loud and playful. One could practically hear the smile in her voice. They saw people's phones in the air filming her before they even saw
her,
but once they reached the stage, they understood what the fuss was about. Raven was in a pink cloak, smiling, giggling and having fun, charmingly singing her heart out, twirling on stage, moving her hips and acting cute. It was very out of character for usual Raven. Not to mention she was making the lights flicker and things float, though everyone seemed to think that was a cool vibe. But after the villainous phase, this made her seem like a total wild card."So which one is that!?" Kid Flash asked, watching incredulously."That
would be Happiness." Garfield said with a tender smile on his face. His heart fluttered a little, remembering their first interaction.
She thinks I'm funny.Starfire flew to the stage to talk to her. Happiness instantly beamed and hugged her tightly, much to the alien's delight. Kory wouldn't pass on this opportunity and figured her presence would put people at ease, so she took a mic and sang the rest of the song with Pink."Oh, friend Raven! I've never seen you
this
happy before!" The Tamaranean said through a huge grin, pulling her by the hand and floating with her towards their friends."That's because you've never met
this
me before!" Happiness giggled while being pulled.The Changeling felt nervous all of a sudden, because he had stood in the way of her happiness recently and this part of her could definitely resent him. But as soon as she saw him, her face lit up and her lips spread into a big, bright grin."BEAST BOY!" Pink wrapped her arms around him in a firm and warm embrace.Garfield gratefully hugged her back and smiled. "Hey, happy Rae. I'm so glad to see you.""Hey, Wally! Hey, Jinx!" Pink giggled and grinned at them, never letting go of the shapeshifter.Kid Flash and Jinx were absolutely entertained."Who knew Raven had so much happiness?" The speedster chuckled."Oh, I've had a hard time lately. I got smaller and weaker and I almost disappeared…" Pink sighed sadly, hugging Garfield tighter. "But…I'm finally getting my strength back!"The shapeshifter's heart tightened when she said she'd had a hard time, because he knew exactly why. It was because of what he did. When she snapped and joined the Sirens, Happiness must have nearly suffocated. He held her tighter too and took comfort in her saying she was getting her strength back. "I'm so glad you're okay."She finally pulled back to smile sweetly at him. "Of course I'm okay, silly!"Starfire had been admiring their display of affection with a dreamy look on her face. "Happy Rae? We have to go back to the tower…"Pink pouted. "So soon!? Can't we get ice cream first? Or go to the carnival? Or to the beach? Or go shopping?" She asked eagerly. "I hardly ever get to do what I want!"Garfield and Kory exchanged extremely tempted looks."I don't see any harm in it." Jinx said mischievously."I think I need to be the voice of reason here." Wally West stepped in. "We really should get back." He gave Pink an apologetic look.Happiness smiled softly when she realized Garfield and Kory both sighed in defeat, agreeing with the speedster's evaluation. "Okey dokey."As soon as they got back, the Changeling collapsed on the couch and closed his eyes, feeling exhausted. Happiness had attempted to escape them and merrily jump around Jump City multiple times. At least now she was giggling about something with Starfire and playing with Krypto, Salem and Silkie in Kory's room."You." An angry voice hissed beside him.Garfield opened his eyes and looked for the source of that guttural voice. A red-cloaked Raven with four demonic eyes on her face was fuming at him from the other end of the couch.
Oh, fuck. He sat up straight and chuckled sheepishly. "Oh, er…hi. Wrath, right?"Wrath pulled on her restraints slightly. She had handcuffs on and they were chained to the floor, so fortunately, she couldn't reach him. But the slow, calculated way she moved resembled a feline preying on him. It was terribly menacing."We found her furiously floating around looking for that creep. She was ready to kill." Terra said, looking at Red. "She already had those cuffs on, which helped a little, but she still put up a fight. We had to wear her down before we caught her.""She keeps me like this most of the time." Wrath said in a low voice, without averting her gaze.The Changeling felt cold just from the way she was looking at him."You
are infuriating." She hissed at him again. "But she
never
lets me hurt you."Red pulled on her chains once again and Garfield realized there was no actual danger and relaxed. "Right. I appreciate that."Wrath brought her cuffed hands up in front of her face. "Appreciate
these."The Changeling couldn't help teasing her a little. She was still Raven. "Oh, I do. Immensely." He shot her a flirty smile. "You look
very
cute in those."That seemed to drive Red insane. She pulled on her restraints so suddenly and harshly and glared at him with such fire in her four eyes that Garfield momentarily forgot about the chains and stumbled backwards on the couch until he fell on the floor."Ouch." The Changeling said, rubbing his butt while his friends laughed whole-heartedly.Cyborg helped him up. "You kinda deserved that one, bro."Garfield chuckled and shot Wrath an apologetic look, which she responded by huffing and looking away.
She's kinda cute. "You killed Rouge and cursed Lex for me, didn't you?"A hint of a wicked smile appeared on Red's lips. She
had
quite enjoyed that. "Maybe."The shapeshifter beamed at her for a moment, then looked around and frowned, noticing the absence of Green. "Wait, where's Tenacity?"Nightwing grimaced. "Ah…we had a little problem with that.""They lost her." Conner smirked."You
lost
her!?" The Changeling squeaked. "Where's Rae? Like, the complete one?""She's preparing the spell…" Ravager sighed.Then they heard Damian's voice from the corridor."Where were you anyway?" Robin asked someone."Oh, I'm sorry. I know I should have stayed here, but…I wanted waffles. I
adore
waffles. And then I stopped by the bookstore…I
love
books…" A female voice answered.It sort of sounded like Raven, only much sweeter and sultrier."What is it? Why did you stop?" Damian asked with a clear hint of confusion."Oh…he's here!" The sweet voice exclaimed excitedly.Then a violet-cloaked Raven ran into the ops room and jumped on Garfield without warning, straddling him and wrapping her arms around his neck. He stumbled backwards because of the sudden extra weight, but he managed to hold onto her hips and steady himself. This Raven had longer, darker lashes and weirdly enough, she was wearing lipstick. And they realized that pretty quickly, because she was swiftly kissing the Changeling everywhere but his lips, leaving multiple coral-lipstick kiss marks all over his flushed face while lightbulbs exploded above them. He certainly wasn't complaining."Violet, stop that." Raven's demanding voice ordered from the ops room entrance.She reluctantly pulled away from him and got off his lap, turning around to pout at real Raven. "But…but I
want
to." She whined cutely. "I like him
so much."Garfield still had a dreamy smile plastered on his reddish lipstick-covered face as if it was frozen there as he received a literal pat on the back from Cyborg. "I like you too…"The empath rubbed her temples, feeling absolutely mortified.
I'll never recover from this."And who might
you
be?" Aqualad said, approaching Violet with interested eyes.Conner looked her up and down from where he was leaning against the wall and smirked. Sure, he had given up, but
this
was a little too intriguing to ignore. "I'm thinking Lust?"Violet put her hands behind her back and smiled charmingly. "Actually,
Passion
would be more accurate. Or
Affection."Both Superboy and Aqualad took a few steps towards her with eager eyes, but Garfield suddenly jumped in front of her, with arms spread wide and a nervous grin on his face. So he wasn't as possessive or jealous as he used to be, but if anyone ever thought he would willingly let one of
these two
touch her
Passion,
they were insane."Sooooo I'm sure you two have something important to do like maybe go look for Tenacity or something." He said, feeling Violet's arms wrapping around him from behind already.Raven frowned. "Wait, what? You lost Green?"Nightwing cleared his throat. "Thank you, BB." He glared slightly at the Changeling, who just chuckled apologetically with Affection's arms and legs wrapped around him. Richard frowned and turned to Raven. "I swear we only looked away for a second when the trouble alarm went off and she disappeared. We'll go get her back. It was Mambo; she's probably fighting him."The sorcerer nodded. "Definitely."And so Dick, Damian and Rose left the tower to go recover Green."I think we should split to watch the Ravens we already have so we don't lose any of them." Bumblebee suggested.Garfield merrily raised his hand in the air. "I'll watch Passion!" At this point, she had traced up his jawline with kisses and was whispering sweet compliments in his ear and he'd absentmindedly wrapped an arm around her waist."No, you won't." Raven said pointedly. "In fact, get away from her." She involved Violet in dark energy and floated her to her side. "I'll
watch Affection."
I don't trust her one bit.The Changeling folded his arms and pouted playfully. "Buzzkill…"The empath rolled her eyes at him. "Also, go wash your face. You look ridiculous.""Actually I think he looks cut-Mmphf!" Violet's sweet words were interrupted by Raven's hand over her mouth while she dragged her away to her room.Terra and Bumblebee chuckled lightly and went to Wrath's side on the couch so they could watch her. They seemed to anger her less than the boys. Superboy went to Jinx's side as soon as Kid Flash went looking for a bathroom. He had decided to shift his focus to Terra and Jinx. He'd gotten with Starfire, Raven clearly didn't want him, Ravager was more like a little sister and even if Bumblebee wanted him he didn't think she would cheat, but he thought Terra or Jinx might. Maybe. Besides, he was closer to Cyborg than he was to Kid Flash and Speedy now, so if he
had
to break the Bro Code…Garfield sighed heavily. "Fiiine." Then he thought of something and beamed again. "Oh then I'll go help Starfire watch Happi-" He stopped when he spun on his heels and saw a Raven he hadn't seen before. The shapeshifter frowned at the black-cloaked figure on the floor.This one had her hood pulled over her head, so they couldn't see her face. Her cloak was dark and she was hugging her legs against her chest and trembling slightly, staring at the floor."Oh, we don't know who that is…she won't talk to us." Cyborg frowned sadly. "We found her exactly like that on the roof, actually. But she wouldn't let us near her. She kept teleporting. In the end, Bumble just talked to her and told her to come down to the ops room and no one would touch her and she did. We think maybe it's Fear."Terra narrowed her eyes. "I don't think Raven fears that much…"Garfield slowly approached Black and she flinched. "Hey…it's okay…" He whispered soothingly as he crouched down to move closer to her. "I'm not gonna hurt you…"She seemed to hesitate. She still looked scared and was pitifully trying to shrink in on herself, but she allowed him to approach until he was kneeled by her side."…can I see you, Rae? Please?" Garfield asked her softly. He hated seeing her like this. He hated seeing
any
part of her like this. And he hadn't even noticed she was there until now.She didn't look up or move, but after a few seconds, she gave him a quick nod. The Changeling reached out slowly and pulled her hood down. Everyone gasped, grimaced or winced and his eyes instantly filled with tears. It
was
Raven, but barely. It reminded him of when he rescued her from Slade's bunker. She looked tired, for starters. There were dark circles under her eyes and she was paler and thinner than the others. And she was wounded. Her face was covered in dark scars and bruises. She shrank further under their gaze, never looking up.Garfield's heart sank and he felt sick, because somehow he just knew who that was. And then he knew she didn't need to be looking like this.
She could be doing so much better. If it wasn't for me.
"You…you're Pain, aren't you?"Black finally looked up at him, though her head remained tilted down, and they didn't need verbal confirmation. Pain was all over her violet, teary eyes."Oh, shit…" Cyborg whispered sadly."Pain, can I…can I touch you?" Garfield asked her, struggling not to cry. He knew this was the one he wanted to stay with. She needed him the most. He wanted to comfort her, but he wasn't sure she would want him to. He had caused Raven so much pain, maybe this one resented him profoundly and staying with her would only make her feel worse.The shapeshifter saw a glint of surprise flash through her sad eyes. He held his breath until she gave him another quick, small nod. And then he carefully wrapped his arms around her and she leaned on him, resting her head on his shoulder. Pain didn't cry, but she was shaking slightly, so he rubbed her arms and back soothingly until she relaxed a little.The Changeling looked up at the others. "I got her." He smiled sadly. "You guys can go help Kor with Pink or help the others look for Green."Superboy leaned closer to Jinx and whispered. "You know, we
could
say we're going to help them and get lost on the way."The enchantress smirked at him. "What are you suggesting?"Conner shot her a flirtatious, charming smile. "A little mischief. I'm sure you're familiar with the concept."Jinx playfully narrowed her eyes. "Well, aren't you bold?""Hey, honey." Wally said, interrupting their conversation and placing a protective arm around her shoulders while glaring at Superboy. He'd seen the way they were looking at each other and he didn't like it one bit. In fact, it made him a little paranoid.Meanwhile, Nightwing, Ravager and Robin were fiercely battling Mambo alongside a green-cloaked Raven. Mambo wasn't sure why she hadn't taken him down yet. He was very aware of how much more power she had now compared to when he trapped her inside his hat all those years ago, but for some reason, the fight almost seemed balanced. He knew
something
was up. She looked and sounded slightly different and her cloak was green. Whatever it was, he was grateful for it. But once the others got there to back her up, the magician started struggling."Ugh!" Damian grunted as he landed on his back after being thrown far away from the battlefield by a blast of mystical energy. He quickly got on his feet and ignored the sharp pain irradiating through his entire body, getting ready to rejoin the fight."Hello, dear grandson." Ra's al Ghul's low voice sounded from the shadows.Damian turned around at once and frowned. "Where are you!?"Ra's stepped out of the shadows, smiling evilly. "Don't worry; I'm not here to fight you."Robin pulled out his sword and got in a battle stance. "Maybe I am.""See, this is the problem with you hot-blooded teenagers. You don't
listen. It makes you unwise.""Oh, I'm listening." Damian hissed. "Did you assist Klarion in this?"Ra's sighed. "That boy's skills have proven to be…disappointing. But he did make promises."Robin smirked. "If he promised to get rid of her for you, forget it. It's not happening.""I'm more interested in bringing her to our side if that helps persuade you."Damian frowned. "Neither of us will join you.
None
of us will. Leave us alone.""I'm afraid I can't do that. Once your healing witch is handled, when I strike one of your friends again, they
will
bleed to death in front of your eyes. And it will be
your fault,
Damian. Then you will know I meant it." The villain said menacingly. "Maybe I don't even need to wait that long. Maybe I'll just cut Nightwing's head off next time. I'm sure not even your witch can fix
that." He could tell Damian was tensing up now, so his smile widened. "Or maybe I'll do it to that white-haired girl that distracted you last time. You seem to care about her."Robin saw red and charged at him. "Shut up!"Ra's swiftly and elegantly blocked his attacks with an easy mind and rested body. "Don't be dumb, boy. I only came to give you one more chance. They'll drop like flies. You can save them. Think about it." He dropped Damian to the floor with a swift move of his feet. "But don't take too long. You're running out of time."And just like that, the Ra's disappeared into the shadows again."Fuck this shit." Damian muttered under his breath, standing up and wiping his uniform before running back to the fight to help the others.Back in Titan Tower, Bumblebee and Cyborg had joined Starfire and the pets in entertaining Happiness while Terra and Kid Flash were seated on each side of Wrath on the couch as she smiled wickedly watching a show about shark attacks, so Speedy and Jinx had joined Mas and Menos in playing with Garfield's pinball machine for a while. Superboy and Aqualad were on the couch too, sitting on the opposite end from Wally, Red and Terra.Raven sighed, walking into the ops room. "Well, Violet is trapped. She's not going anywhere.""I think we should call her Affection. She's sweet." Terra turned her head to smile at the empath. Wrath scowled mockingly beside her as regular Raven rolled her eyes, which made the blonde giggle before turning her attention back to the TV.Then the sorcerer saw something that almost made her lose control of her powers. Garfield was on the floor with Pain in his arms while she trembled softly and sobbed quietly into his shoulder. He was whispering to her and kissing the top of her head and Raven could tell her breathing was much smoother than when they found her. He could be taking care of Pink or looking for Green or even teasing Red, but no. He was comforting her pain. The least fun job of all. And the most important."You would know about sweetness." Aqualad smiled charmingly at Terra.The blonde returned his smile and blushed. "I'm sure I have no idea what you mean."That distracted Raven, because she picked up on desire from both of them. This time she was sure. Garfield didn't notice the flirting, though. He was focused on Pain.Conner cleared his throat and moved closer to Terra on the couch. "You know, I have been meaning to ask you…" He reached out and tucked her hair behind her ear. And then he smiled because her reaction couldn't be more different from Raven's. She smiled, her cheeks turned even pinker and there was a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What were you like as a villain? I'm kinda sorry I missed that."The blond Titan sustained her smile. This was a delicate subject, but the way he was asking about it was clearly judgement-free. And his hair was perfect and his eyes were piercing and blue and his smile was flawless. "Don't be. I was terrible.""I don't believe that for a second." Conner smirked. "I'd believe in sexy, but
terrible?"Raven frowned.
They're openly flirting at this point.
She could sense desire in both of them as well. And now Aqualad looked grumpy, with folded arms and looking away.
Maybe she's done with Speedy and forgot to let him know.
She also sensed, with some concern, that Wally was strangely relieved and grateful for Conner and Terra's flirting.
Well this is messy.The blonde narrowed her eyes at Conner. "Oh, really?""Really.""Rae?" Terra said breezily, turning to the empath. "Tell him what I was like."Raven folded her arms.
Is she serious?
"Oh, she was an absolute
delight
betraying everyone."Red growled dangerously as glasses exploded in the kitchen. "Fucking
bitch."Terra turned around wide-eyed, but Wrath wasn't looking at her. She was fuming, though."She doesn't mean you. She means
that
you." Raven calmly told the blonde."Oh." Terra chuckled apologetically. "Right. Makes sense.""That bad, huh?" Superboy raised an eyebrow."Oh, she was trouble. She beat
me
once." Raven said blankly. She could tell Terra regretted bragging about it now, which is exactly why she kept talking."Really?" Conner asked, genuinely impressed. "How?""By being a bitch." Wrath spat out bitterly.Terra shrank guiltily and Conner, Aqualad and Raven chuckled fondly. Even Wally smiled at her reaction."It was impressive, really." The empath admitted.Terra glanced at Wrath. "I'm glad you don't resent me."She just shrugged and grunted under her breath in response.Raven smiled slightly. "She knows Slade was whispering in your ear." She pointed at the way Wrath growled angrily at his name and more glasses exploded. "See?
Him
she hates."Aqualad seemed to have recovered and was smiling at both Terra
and
Raven now. "Well I wish I could have seen-""Hi people! I am
back!" Green announced, stepping out of the elevator. "Mambo went
down!"Raven exhaled in relief.
Good. They're all here.
Then she frowned at the other people stepping out of the elevator. Nightwing and Ravager were a little tired, but Robin was in
anguish. She held onto Dick's arm and whispered when he passed by her. "Dick…Damian."Richard nodded at her. "I know. I'll talk to him."She smiled softly and let go of his arm, turning around and clearing her throat. "Okay, as entertaining or amusing as this may have been for everyone but me…I'd like it to be over, please. Rose, can you tell the others to take Happiness to my room?" When Ravager nodded and left, she turned to Green. "You can just go by yourself, yes?""You got it." Tenacity smirked, heading towards her room.The empath walked up to Wrath and broke her restraints, gently pulling her to her feet and hugging her. "I'm sorry, Red. But please come with me."Wrath relaxed her muscles and complied. She liked it when Raven embraced her. Usually it happened in a more abstract way, but this was nice too."And…" The sorcerer turned to the Changeling. "Gar…could you bring Black?"He nodded from where he'd been gently stroking the black-cloaked Raven's hair. Then he whispered to her. "Do you want to walk, float, teleport or be carried?"Pain just wrapped her arms around his shoulders. He could see scratch marks on her bare arms, since unlike the others, she didn't wear Raven's armored uniform under her cloak, but a sleeveless leotard. The shapeshifter inhaled and swallowed his tears, carefully picking her up. Once they were all in her room, Raven dismissed him and everyone else so she could fix the damage Klarion's spell had done."So…now that our mission is accomplished…" Aqualad smiled, shooting Terra a discreet, but flirtatious look. "…how about another karaoke night tonight?"The general reaction to that was one of instant approval. Nightwing actually thought that it wasn't a good idea to relax when Klarion and the League of Assassins were still out to get them, but he decided not to argue and let everyone have a night off. He had more important business to attend to. So he approached his silent little brother by the window."Hey, you. Come talk to me." Richard said kindly.Damian frowned. "Is that a request or an order?""C'mon, you know the answer to that.""Then no, thank you."Nightwing sighed. "Fine. Then let's spar."That I can do.
Damian nodded quietly and followed his brother to the training room.Kid Flash looked around and frowned in concern. "Where are Conner and Jinx?"Everyone just shrugged to let him know they had no idea, which definitely left him on edge. The Changeling noticed."Hey, man." The shapeshifter sat next to Wally. "Listen, don't freak out."Wally West was already freaking out. He shot the green Titan an incredulous look. "If Conner and Raven were missing, what would you do?"Garfield took an intake of breath. "Well, for starters, I'm not Raven's boyfriend…""Right, I know." Kid Flash nodded. "But…what would you
want
to do?"The Changeling pondered. "I mean, actually, that
has
happened recently.""It has?""Yeah. Don't get me wrong, I was worried." He chuckled. "But...she rejected him."Wally West nodded again. "So that's why he's back to hitting on Jinx and Terra.""Probably. But the point is…I just trusted her. And everything was fine."Kid Flash sighed heavily. "Yeah…must be nice."Garfield frowned. "What do you mean?""I mean…it must be nice. Don't get me wrong, I know you've come a long way. But still, Raven is easy to trust. Jinx isn't Raven."The Changeling's frown deepened. "Wally, if that's what you think of her…""I love her, BB." Kid Flash said surely. "I do. I just…"Garfield raised an eyebrow. "You just don't trust her?""Well…yes. I mean, I
want
to trust her. But all I can think about right now is that if they come back together my whole world is gonna crash. So…distract me."The shapeshifter chuckled slightly. "Distract you how?""I don't know." Wally shrugged. "Tell me why you're not Raven's boyfriend. She clearly still likes you, with Miss Violet being all over you like that."Garfield sheepishly ruffled his own hair. "Yeah, that was fun. But…she doesn't want to be my girlfriend."Kid Flash raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Really?"The Changeling nodded. "Yeah but honestly, I'd be grateful just for breathing the same air as her. She's been giving me way more than I expected or deserve already. I can't ask for more."The speedster smiled at him. "Maybe not everything needs to be labeled. I mean, if you both feel safe in it, who cares?"Garfield smiled absentmindedly.
I do feel safe with her.
"Exactly.""I don't…I can't help obsessing over where they are and whether they're together or not and what they're doing. Maybe I should just go find her…" Kid Flash stood up.The Changeling pulled him back to his seat. "Don't. It will make you look insane. Trust me."Meanwhile, Robin and Nightwing were sparring to exhaustion in the training room. Robin felt his side burn and ache, but he swallowed his pain and didn't say anything until Richard dropped him in a particularly painful way and he winced."Damian, are you hurt!?" Dick's eyes widened and he offered his brother a hand."I'm fine." Robin answered dryly, holding onto his side and standing up without taking Richard's hand. He was sweating from both the exercise and the effort of resisting pain.Nightwing frowned, watching his brother grumpily take a seat. "What's wrong with you lately? Is it your grandfather? You've kind of been in a dark place."Damian stared at him incredulously. "Well, I'm sorry." He spat out sarcastically. "What am I supposed to feel like? Ra's keeps his promises, you know? He
will
kill everyone. He nearly killed you already. And Raven nearly couldn't fix you because they managed to keep her busy. If Garfield hadn't…" He frowned and held onto the bench tighter until his knuckles turned white.Nightwing sighed and went to sit down next to him. "I know." He said quietly."Maybe I should just go back to them." Damian whispered. When he saw Richard's indignant face get ready to protest, he spoke again in a firmer voice. "Listen, what if someone dies because of him? And I'll know I could have stopped it. How do I live with that? Maybe it's easier to just let him win. I mean, what if they kill you, or Raven, or Starfire, or…"
Or Rose."I'm going to stop you right there." Nightwing said in his usual confident tone. "We are not letting you do this. Damian, listen to me. What happened to me was
not
your fault. It was Ra's fault.
All
of this is his fault. You're not sacrificing yourself; this isn't how we fix this. We'll just figure this out like we do everything else."Robin frowned and looked away.
There's no point arguing with him. He's just too delusional and optimistic.
"Fine."Richard grimaced because he could tell his brother wasn't fully convinced.
He's just shutting down again.
"Damian…""Actually, I
am
hurt." Robin suddenly said, deciding to finish the pep talk since nothing would make him feel better until his grandfather wasn't threatening everyone he cares about. "Maybe we should go see if Raven is done so she can heal me."Nightwing sighed. "Yeah, okay."They went back to the ops room and only waited a few seconds before she showed up with a much more peaceful expression on her face now that her mirror was fixed with no further consequences – other than a few online theories about her uncharacteristic appearances around town. And then Richard asked her to help the grumpy, spiky-haired boy next to him.Raven put a hand on the right side of Damian's torso and frowned. "This is bad. Why didn't you say anything before?""I hadn't noticed." Robin shrugged. "Adrenaline, I guess. It must have numbed the pain."He knows I know that's a lie, right?
The empath raised an eyebrow at the boy, but decided not to press. She began healing him with soothing white energy.Damian closed his eyes. Garfield was right about one thing, the healing
was
nice. It felt like being embraced, warm and safe, at least for a few minutes. "Thanks."She was still healing him on the couch when Jinx and Superboy walked into the ops room together, flushed, with slightly disheveled hair and guilty looks on their faces. Kid Flash's heart immediately sank and his head went into a spiral of painful paranoia as he was absolutely certain he had been cheated on.Garfield looked at him with concerned eyes. "Wally…""I…" The speedster stood up hastily, clearly fighting back tears. "I need to get out of here."He was gone in a heartbeat – as in literally in a heartbeat – and Jinx frowned in confusion and worry as her boyfriend suddenly left in complete distress. Raven didn't notice because she was too busy repairing Damian's insides to allow herself to be distracted by people's feelings, so she actively tried blocking them out."Friend Raven, we have decided to have another of the fun karaoke night tonight!" Starfire beamed at her best friend as soon as she was done healing Robin.The empath furrowed her brows. "Really?" She had picked up on a lot of feelings from her friends that could lead to potential heartache and karaoke nights seemed to have a tendency to unleash drama. On the other hand, they had just spent their day helping her deal with her toxic ex's screwup. Raven's expression softened and she sighed. "Okay, I'll be there. But I'm not singing." She said adamantly. "There's been more…expressing…" She shivered slightly at the word. "...than I'm comfortable with for one day already."They chuckled light-heartedly at that and she rolled her eyes."Hey, you. Are you okay?" Garfield asked quietly, sitting next to her as everyone else went back to their own business.Raven nodded. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you.""Like, right now?"She shrugged. "Whenever is good for you."Garfield nodded quickly. "Right now is good."The empath chuckled softly.
So freaking cute.
"Meet me on the roof in ten."Precisely ten minutes later, the Changeling found her seated on the edge and joined her. The sun was nearly setting and he admired the way the soft glow reflected on her hair and skin."Thank you for taking care of Pain." Raven said quietly, still staring at the horizon.Garfield's eyes widened in surprise. He thought she wanted to scold him for getting friendly with Affection or teasing Wrath. Then he remembered Pain and his eyes filled with tears. "I…I couldn't really help…I wish I could heal her…"She turned to look at him. "Then she would disappear and I wouldn't be me anymore. My pain is part of me, Gar."He stared at her wordlessly for a few seconds, with a pained frown on his face. "Right, I know that…but…I just wish she didn't hurt
that
much. I wish I could make it a little better."Raven smiled slightly. "You did."The shapeshifter's frown softened. "I did?""Yes. And I know she's not the most fun to be around, so…I just wanted to say I appreciate it."The Changeling smiled at her. "Well I told you, I love all of you."Raven elbowed him playfully. "Corny…but cute."Garfield's smile widened. "That's me!""Yes, it is. So, any chance we can maybe never mention this incident again?"The shapeshifter chuckled. "I don't think anyone else will agree to that. Besides, it really wasn't that bad."She scoffed. "It was. It was embarrassing.""I don't think so. I think it was adorable."Raven rolled her eyes and folded her arms stoically. "I'm not supposed to be
adorable. I'm supposed to be
terrifying."He chuckled again. "You can be both, you know? In fact, you are."She narrowed her eyes. "You just love that everyone saw Passion being into you."The Changeling blushed at the memory and scratched his head. "I mean, that
was
really nice.""For you, maybe." Raven rolled her eyes in annoyance. "You're practically beaming, it's infuriating."Garfield smiled fondly at her. "Okay but it's not just Passion getting lipstick all over my face. You know what I
really
loved?"The sorcerer raised a suspicious eyebrow at him. "Do tell.""I just love the fact that they all reacted strongly towards me." The Changeling said with a toothy, stupidly enormous grin on his face.Raven relaxed. "Oh. You noticed that, huh?"He leaned closer to her. "I definitely noticed."She playfully glared at him. "Are you getting cocky now?""Not even a little bit. I just can't believe I'm this lucky." Garfield whispered truthfully.That caught her off guard and she locked eyes with him and allowed her hand to find its' way to his hand, intertwining their fingers."Can I kiss you?" Garfield whispered again, looking into her eyes.Raven smiled slightly, closed her eyes and leaned in. The shapeshifter quickly pressed their lips together in a long and passionate kiss. They kissed slowly and peacefully like that for a few seconds and then she pulled back and giggled at the dreamy expression on his face.Garfield watched her strutting away.
Nope. Not yet.
He stood up and grew a tail, which he then wrapped around her body, pulling her closer and making her yelp in the cutest possible way. The shapeshifter smiled greedily. "Come back here, I'm not done with you yet."Raven's heart skipped a beat and she felt her cheeks warm up, but she managed to keep her face stoic – except for the hint of amusement in her eyes.At first, when he saw her raise an eyebrow at him with her arms still pinned to her sides by his tail, he wasn't sure if she was angry or into it.
Shit, was that too far? No, wait. She's smiling a little. And she didn't free herself. And she's blushing.
He exhaled and chuckled apologetically. "Sorry. Is it still okay to get a little possessive when we're playing around?"Her smile became much more obvious and flirtatious. "Do you hear me complaining?"Garfield beamed and pulled her even closer, retrieving his tail and wrapping his arms around her waist instead. "Do you wanna hear something a little crazy?""Always." Raven ran her hands up his arms, feeling his defined, lean muscles, and then rested her elbows over his shoulders."A part of me kind of gets Klarion. I mean, don't get me wrong, I
hate
that guy and I think there's a very real chance I might accidentally kill him, but…" He smiled lovingly, staring into her suspicious eyes. "…losing you would drive anyone insane."The empath rolled her eyes and huffed quietly. "You
didn't go insane.""I kinda did." Garfield chuckled slightly. "I didn't shower for a week, I yelled at you in front of Superman, I used drugs and sex to feel numb and sometimes
that
didn't even work. Remember when you saved me from Gizmo? Yeah I was drunk. Dick had actually grounded me. I wasn't even supposed to be there because I was such a wreck. I didn't get it together until after we teamed-up to fight Braniac."Raven brought one hand to his cheek. "What drugs?"The Changeling had decided on telling her about it for a while now. "I tried nearly everything." He realized she looked sad and frowned. "No, wait. I'm not telling you to make you feel bad.""I know, Gar." She whispered, smiling softly at him. "I just didn't know it was that bad. But still, you never tossed me around the Multiverse or held people at gunpoint to perform a love spell."Garfield chuckled openly. "Okay, but that's because I'm not a psycho. I'm not making excuses for him; I'm just saying…it's difficult to lose you."Raven's smile grew a little at first, but then turned into a frown as she bit her lip. This whole cute bit of his reminded her of something. "I regret it, you know? Comparing you to him."The Changeling stared at her with serious, wide eyes.
So did you. At least he had the decency of not making me fall for him first.
Of course he remembered her words. He would never forget them. "But…you were right."She sighed. "But I don't think it was fair. Other than
that
mistake, you two will never have anything in common. I meant it, but I regret saying it. I know it hurt you. I'm sorry."Garfield's eyes welled up and he brought his hands to cradle her face gently, leaning in to give her a soft kiss. She deepened the kiss and he inhaled, rubbing her cheeks with his thumbs while her fingers massaged his scalp. The sun was setting and the orange glow made it feel downright romantic."Forgive me?" Raven whispered against his lips."Of course, but there's nothing to forgive, my love." The shapeshifter whispered back, hugging her waist again and burying his face in the crook of her neck. "I needed to hear it, trust me. And I wish you'd stop apologizing to me like I told you to."She chuckled softly and continued caressing his hair. "Not going to happen. And that tickles."Garfield lifted his head to smile tenderly at her."Excuse me?" Starfire cleared her throat, hovering next to them.The two Titans separated quickly and the Changeling attempted to fix his hair while Raven smoothed her cloak.Kory giggled. "I just wanted to let you know we will be leaving for the karaokeing soon!""Okay, Kor. Thanks." The empath nodded.When Starfire left, Garfield frowned. "How did she know where we were?""Conner probably told her."The Changeling's eyes widened with realization. "Right. I keep forgetting that he hears everything. You don't mind?"Well, he knows I love you so I don't think this would surprise him. She shrugged. "Not really. It's a little invasive, but…I guess so are my empathic abilities.""Wait, is that why he goes out so much? I mean, listening to certain conversations must make him uncomfortable. Especially at night…""Probably. Between us, Kor and Dick and Cy and Bumble…" Raven chuckled softly.He exhaled loudly. "Damn. No wonder he sleeps in sometimes."On Garfield's way to the ops room to meet the others for karaoke night, Superboy stopped him and offered him a fist-bump. He narrowed his eyes and cautiously returned it."What's this for?" The Changeling asked the other boy.Conner smirked. "That
is
why I go out at night so much, by the way. There are
certain
conversations only creeps would want to hear. But…rooftop make-out sessions? Nice."When they got to the club, Raven thought this was a bad idea. Damian was tense and Rose was clueless and Kid Flash was destroyed and Jinx was upset and Speedy was suspicious and Terra was confused and Aqualad was lonely and she was overwhelmed by the weight of it all and afraid of what this particular karaoke night could trigger. At least she didn't think she would be in the center of the drama this time. She was in a good place with Gar."Okay, who's starting?" Speedy asked, bringing everyone a first round of drinks.Garfield happily raised his hand. "I wanna sing!"He had been meaning to go back to serenading Raven to
Stutter,
but he thought maybe she didn't want him to be that obvious about them being sort of kind of a thing in front of everyone, so he figured he could find a new song tonight. One that not everyone knew was theirs yet.Raven didn't look up from her french-fries, but her lips curved up in a small, discreet smile."Me and Bumble are next!" Victor raised his hand, smiling at his girlfriend.Garfield downed his drink and stood up to go look through the song catalog, but he never got to, because there was a blast at the club and a dark and huge cloud of purple fog on stage. It dissipated quickly to reveal Klarion with his cauldron and a force-field around him. The shapeshifter felt his anger rising in his chest and practically growled. The other Titans cursed loudly, standing up at once. Conner, Wally, Mas and Menos immediately ran to stop him, but they harshly crashed against his force-field.The warlock held her cloak up in the air with his signature wicked grin. "Okay,
this
time it will work! I figured it out!"Raven's eyes widened and she immediately started working on finding a weak spot on the force-field. She realized his spell looked right this time and could actually work.
So much for not being in the center of the drama."Maaan, not
this guy
again!" Cyborg said, trying to weaken the warlock's protection as well.Garfield was refraining from turning into a T-Rex or a dragon by accident. He thought about something that could break through that force-field, but then he saw Raven was still working on that. Whatever she couldn't do, the demonic beasts he turned into certainly couldn't either. Starfire was shooting already, and so were Bumblebee and Cyborg, and none of it was working. Then he realized Klarion was about to drop her cloak inside the cauldron and finish his second attempt at this spell and he had an idea."JINX!" Garfield shouted at her, desperately pointing at the spot where Raven's magic was weakening the Witch Boy's protection.The enchantress immediately understood him and smiled, floating up and shooting a powerful and sure blast at that exact spot. The force-field cracked, but he had already dropped her cloak, so Jinx swiftly shot a second blast. It hit the cauldron at the same time Raven's cape fell in and once again, there was a huge explosion, followed by fog. Her misfortune magic had clearly mixed with his spell, messing it up. Klarion grunted loudly in frustration and disappeared again, right before Kid Flash and Superboy got to him, so now it was their turn to be frustrated. Everyone but the Titans had already fled the club screaming at this point. But the heroes waited expectantly."I'm okay." The empath whispered, shooting Jinx a grateful look. "Thanks."The enchantress waved a hand to dismiss her, grinning widely. "I'm
sure
you'll find some way to repay me.""So…it didn't work, right? I mean, Rae's not in love with him, right?" Terra asked cautiously."Yeah but last time it cracked her mirror and unleashed a bunch of emotional Ravens everywhere." Cyborg said worriedly.Bumblebee turned to Jinx. "Is something going to happen this time?"The enchantress just shrugged. "I have no idea. Does anyone feel any different?"No one did.Raven frowned. "Maybe we should just-""I found myself dreaming…" Karen suddenly started singing, staring at Victor.Everyone watched her in utter disbelief and confusion as she continued lovingly singing the first few verses of
Like I'm Gonna Lose You (Meghan Trainor, John Legend)
to her boyfriend. Cyborg was confused too, but he couldn't help but smile at her anyway."Bumble? What are you doing?" Nightwing frowned.She didn't seem to listen; she just continued performing the romantic song.Raven looked around. "Where's the music coming from?"They realized she was right. There was music playing in the background and it came out of nowhere. Karen stood up slowly and Terra and Starfire started moving towards her."Babe…?" Richard asked after his girlfriend. Again, she didn't seem to listen to him."What is happening…?" Garfield whispered to Raven, but she was just as confused.Jinx folded her arms in annoyance. "C'mon, guys. Cut it out."When she got to the chorus, Terra and Kory were standing on each side of her and singing like backup singers while they did a sweet little choreography. At this point, the curious people who had hung around outside the club – which was nearly everyone that had been there – heard the music and reentered. They smiled and clapped along and pulled out their phones to register the moment, thinking the whole thing was obviously some cute bit by the heroes or maybe some kind of elaborate marriage proposal."Honestly, what the fuck…" Ravager disapprovingly shook her head to the scene.While they were all staring at the girls in confusion, they didn't notice Cyborg going into trance and standing up."In the blink of an eye…" The half-robot started singing the male-voice verses.Everyone's heads shot to him. He continued singing while walking towards Bumblebee and then they held hands to sing the chorus together, staring into each other's eyes. Terra and Kory were still singing backup and dancing around them like it was some scene from a cheesy musical. Garfield, Mas and Menos were getting into it and clapping along like the rest of the people at the club. Apart from the obvious cuteness of it all, they all sounded really good. As in, way better than they usually did on regular karaoke nights."I don't like this at all." Damian said grumpily and a little worriedly."Yeah, this is stupid." Rose agreed."Seriously,
where
is this music coming from?" Raven floated around trying to find a source behind things and under tables, but she found nothing.When they got to the bridge of the song Cyborg twirled her around and danced with her before lifting her by the waist and twirling her in the air at the beginning of the last chorus. People cheered and whistled, but they still didn't seem to notice anyone else. They sang the rest of the song staring deeply into each other's eyes again and then wrapped it up by kissing at the end. The club burst with applause and cheers.Terra was the first to be pulled out of her trance and she rubbed her head in confusion. She could remember everything, but it was like a really vivid dream. She had been there and aware of it, but she couldn't snap out of it. Starfire recovered her senses next. And then Cyborg and Bumblebee frowned into the kiss and pulled away, staring at each other wide-eyed."What…" Karen started."I don't know." Victor said.They both chuckled and waved awkwardly to the small crowd around them and waited for people to disperse so they could freak out."Dude, what the fuck just happened!?" Cyborg squeaked."You tell
us." Conner said quizzically. "You're the ones who started singing like you were in a musical or something. Weirdos."Bumblebee sat down. "No, I remember, but…I couldn't stop it. It was like I wasn't in control.""That is how I felt too." Starfire nodded.Nightwing sighed heavily and rubbed his temples. "Guys?" When they all stared at him with expectant eyes, he continued. "I think we know what Klarion's spell did this time. When Jinx shot at it, it probably merged with the musical energy of this place."That got mixed reactions. Starfire and the Changeling were a little excited. Mas, Menos, Terra, Jinx, Speedy, Aqualad and Kid Flash were mostly worried. Superboy, Robin, Ravager and Raven felt absolutely disgusted at the idea alone, because it clearly involved opening up."Wait, so is this gonna happen to
all
of us?" Speedy frowned. "And do we even get to choose what to sing?""I didn't. It was completely involuntary…" Bumblebee answered."But it was so sweet!" Kory squealed happily."Sure, this time, it was. But what if the next one isn't as nice?" Richard asked. "If we don't have control over it…""Well,
I'm
not singing shit." Ravager said pointedly."Me neither." Damian adamantly folded his arms."Why are you excited?" Raven whispered to Garfield.The shapeshifter shrugged and whispered back to her. "I mean, there are worse things…"The empath sighed and rolled her eyes. "I'm going to murder Klarion.""So wait, what do we do?" Conner asked urgently. "Jinx? Raven? Nightwing?"Richard offered him and everyone else a concerned look. "Well, I think we should go home before someone else bursts into song."

Carry You Home (Alex Warren)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

"I can't believe that jerk ruined karaoke night." Garfield quietly told Raven as she sat by his side on the couch. "I meant to find a new song to serenade you with."The empath fought back a smile. "I see. So I don't make you
stutter
anymore?""You know you do." The Changeling grinned charmingly. "But I thought maybe you didn't want me to be so obvious since technically we're not together."Raven smiled softly and tilted her head to the side a little. "That's considerate of you."Then she was suddenly distracted by a wave of heartache emanating from Wally West. She looked at him and then followed his gaze to see Jinx and Superboy talking in the corner.Garfield noticed she was distracted and by what. "Oh, yeah.
That.""That?"The Changeling nodded and lowered his voice even more. "Look inside my head…"The sorcerer discreetly went into his mind so she could hear his thoughts.

They disappeared for a while then came back all flustered and everything. I think she cheated on Wally.

Raven frowned.
Oh.

Oh?

I just…I don't find that likely. She really loves him.

Garfield nodded.
Right, but…what else could it be? You were healing Damian when they came back, but they looked really guilty.Raven exhaled and left his mind. "Well…that's disappointing.""Yeah. And what about that?" The shapeshifter tilted his head a little towards where Terra and Aqualad were laughing together while Speedy got her a glass of water.Thank Azar he's noticed this.
Raven's eyes widened ever so slightly. "I know, right? I don't think you saw it but when-""What are you two whispering about all secretively?" Cyborg sat down on a chair across from them, waggling his eyebrows. "Something…personal?"Raven rolled her eyes. "Don't be absurd.""We're gossiping." The Changeling said breezily.Bumblebee sat on Victor's lap and chuckled. "Oh, interesting. We're in.""Yes! Share. Now." Cyborg said eagerly.Garfield laughed light-heartedly. "Yeah okay but first, I really liked your duet. Rae liked it too. Didn't you, Rae?""Oh, it was delightful." Raven said stoically, with just a hint of sarcasm behind it.Karen just blushed a little, but Victor was absolutely exasperated. "Right but
about that,
what
was
that!? And are we going to be the
only ones
that-" His protest was interrupted by music coming out of nowhere. They looked around to find no source. "Ohhh it's happening
again!""Superstar, where you from? How's it going?" Jinx started singing to Superboy.Everyone but Kid Flash gasped in shock watching her smile teasingly at him while singing the first verses of
Womanizer(Britney Spears).
Kid Flash didn't gasp because his body basically shut down the second she started."Ohhh this isn't good…" Garfield whispered.Conner was smiling charmingly at her and running a hand through his perfect hair, taking steps backwards while the enchantress walked towards him, unknowingly approaching Terra, whose voice made him turn around for the next few verses."Look at you…" The blonde sang, twirling around flirtatiously.Speedy dropped the glass of water he was getting for her and huffed. "Oh, c'moon!""No no no no…Star!" Richard called after his girlfriend as she went into trance and made her way to join the number. He grumbled under his breath. "Awesome."Starfire joined in to defiantly sing the first verses of the chorus right to Conner's smug, unfazed face at the same time Bumblebee slowly got up from Cyborg's lap in spite of his protests and danced towards the singing party."Noo, not you too!" Victor whined.Karen walked in circles around Superboy, singing the second part of the chorus to him. She was the least flirty one and was singing in an almost warning tone, but there was still some playfulness in her voice."Well this is extremely uncomfortable to watch." Rose Wilson folded her arms at the scene while the four girls were now taking turns singing verses to a blissful Superboy.Damian just nodded slowly, furrowing his brows. It was utterly ridiculous, but he couldn't look away. At least he was momentarily distracted from his agony.Raven looked down at her arm when she felt Garfield's hand grasp it gently, but firmly. Then she looked up at his face to see him watching the group number intently. "Gar?"The Changeling immediately averted his gaze to her, with a glint of fear in his eyes.
Please don't go there. Please don't get up. "Y-yeah?"The empath raised an eyebrow. "Why are you holding my arm?""Huh?"
I'm not. Wait, am I?
Garfield looked down and saw that his hand was, indeed, securely wrapped around her arm. He let go at once. "Oh, sorry! I didn't realize...""I'm not going out there." Raven whispered, tilting her head towards the girls who were now all dancing and singing around Conner.The shapeshifter exhaled air he didn't even realize he had been holding and shot her a grateful smile. "Are you resisting it or just getting no urge to sing about him?"Raven shrugged. "No urge."Garfield's smile widened. "Because you're immune to his charms!?"The empath rolled her eyes. "I guess."His grin became gigantic and idiotic while he examined her face.
She's the only one who's not there. I mean, other than Rose, but he doesn't hit on Rose. And now she's smiling at me. She's trying to hide it, but she's smiling. My girl. My girl is the best girl. No, wait, she's not my girl. I mean, not really. Chill, Garfield. Still…she IS smiling at me."Okay, relax. This level of happiness is completely unjustified." Raven said pointedly. "It's not a big deal.""Hey guys? How do we end this?" Nightwing approached them urgently."Yeah." Victor said grumpily from where he was narrowing his eyes, watching the rest of the uncomfortably flirty routine play out. "How?"Raven sighed. "Let me get my books. I'll figure out a way to reverse this curse."Garfield chuckled. "I mean,
curse
is a bit extreme…""Oh,
this
is a curse." Richard fumed, with his arms folded.When the girls finally stopped, everyone but Superboy was mortified. Bumblebee hid her face with her hand and walked back to Cyborg. Starfire frowned and folded her arms, feeling absolutely outraged that out of all the nice things this spell could have made her sing about, this was what it did to her. Terra and Jinx blushed and looked away awkwardly, avoiding both Conner and their boyfriends' eyes.Raven floated back into the ops room after retrieving several books from her room and realized they were done. "Well thank Azar
that one
is over.""Actually as fun as that was for me, I do think it's clear we have a problem now." Conner said. "This spell…it forces people to sing what they feel whether they like it or not.""So you're saying it makes people reveal secrets." Kid Flash said sternly. He didn't really need confirmation, he was a hundred percent sure he'd been cheated on at this point. And he didn't want to hear Jinx sing some heartbreaking song about it."Definitely." Superboy said calmly. He didn't like being forced to express, but he figured there were several unspoken feelings to be sung before the spell got to him, so he was chilling.Raven closed her eyes and grimaced because of her friends' fear and anxiety. Garfield placed a supportive hand on her back and she took a deep breath."Wanna go back to your room? Or the roof?" The shapeshifter whispered to her.She opened her eyes after both Bumblebee and Starfire managed to convince their boyfriends that whatever attraction they felt for Conner didn't mean anything. The empath exhaled in relief, because she knew it was the truth. "Maybe later. Thank you.""Can I help you with these?" Garfield asked, picking up a book. "What should I look for?"Raven smiled softly at him, taking a different book. "Anything on how to lift curses or cancel spells in general.""Gotcha." The Changeling grinned reassuringly at her and started flipping through the pages."Why are you being weird?" Jinx asked her boyfriend by the kitchen counter. "I told you that song didn't mean anything. All the other girls sang it too; it was just about Conner being a player. Besides, this whole thing is dumb anyway.""Ravager didn't sing it. Neither did Raven." Wally said pointedly.Jinx rolled her eyes. "Well that's probably because they're both too morose for it.""Well it's not about the song, Jinx. And I'm not being weird.""Sure you are. Will you just tell me what it
is
about so I can-" The enchantress stopped talking, frowned and spun on her seat at the sound of music playing. "Seriously? Again?""Is that the melody to
Jessie's Girl?" Cyborg asked worriedly."Isn't that the song about pining over a friend's girlfriend?" Bumblebee widened her eyes. "Who's singing
that!?""Jessie is a friend..."Aqualad's smooth voice turned everyone's heads towards him. Garfield felt immensely relieved when he realized the aquatic Titan was singing directly to Terra and Speedy, who had
just
gotten over the whole
Womanizer
fiasco. Aqualad sang the first verses of
Jessie's Girl (Rick Springfield)
and if looks could kill, he would have dropped dead from the way Speedy was glaring at him. Terra on the other hand was a little embarrassed, but clearly flattered. She couldn't help but blush a little. When he got to the chorus everyone noticed other voices had joined in and turned around to see Mas and Menos singing to Starfire with eager eyes. The Tamaranean actively tried to hide behind her boyfriend, but the twins just danced in circles around them.Conner smirked. "And you guys thought
my
song was uncomfortable.""Yeah this is difficult to watch." Jinx agreed."But does everyone sound a little better than usual?" Superboy chuckled."Yeah maybe that's part of it. Like the music coming out of nowhere." Bumblebee shrugged, being absolutely distracted by the scene in front of her.Suddenly, Garfield felt his stomach turn and all his relief was gone, because Aqualad started singing the verses again and he could tell his voice was much closer, actually right behind him and Raven on the couch. He could tell she'd tensed up beside him too."…when they start talking cute…" At this point Aqualad was kneeled down in front of them, bringing the book that was in front of Raven's face down and singing to her.If Terra had been a little embarrassed, the empath was completely mortified. She crossed her legs, looked away and placed a hand on her forehead, tilting her head down to try to hide as much of her face as she could. And if Speedy's glare had been intense, Garfield's was ten times worse. He resisted the urge to protectively wrap his arms around her the way Speedy and Nightwing had because he
wasn't
Raven's boyfriend, but to all effects Aqualad was singing as if he was, so he didn't try to disguise his loathing. At the chorus, Mas and Menos joined in again, running after Richard and Kory everywhere they went across the ops room."…lovin' him with that body I just know it..." Aqualad elegantly twirled around, singing to Raven and the Changeling.The empath's face flushed, but because of embarrassment rather than flattery. Garfield's glare intensified."This is my favorite one yet." Jinx grinned mischievously, being absolutely entertained."You know…I want to look away…but I can't…" Bumblebee whispered to a speechless Cyborg.When Aqualad started jumping over the couch and dancing with impressive skill, alternating between singing about Terra – who couldn't help but playfully rock her body to the music a little – and Raven, Rose Wilson decided she had seen enough and stood up."Well, I certainly can." Ravager said before walking out to go find Damian.She found him mercilessly destroying a punching bag by himself in the training room. Robin stopped as soon as she walked in."You were smart to leave." Rose told him. "It's getting weirder out there.""Oh?" Damian raised a curious eyebrow. He had fled to get away as soon as he started feeling a strange urge to sing to her. "What's going on?"Ravager sat down and huffed. "Aqualad and the speed twins are singing a thirsty song about lusting after other people's girls."Damian genuinely chuckled at that, forgetting his worries for a moment. "You're kidding.""I would never."Robin realized his urge to sing to her got even stronger now that they were alone in a room. "Well I understand why you had to escape but I think we need to see the chaos that follows that, don't you?"Ravager smiled somewhat wickedly and nodded. The song was over now and they could hear some commotion before they even reentered the ops room."Is it just
every
girl I've ever dated!? Why don't you just give
Flamebird
a call!?" Garfield practically yelled, flailing his arms around in the middle of the ops room.Aqualad had been feeling regretful, but he considered
that
idea. "I mean, maybe…""What!?
No,
dude! That's
weird!" Garfield squeaked."Hold up." Speedy said pointedly, gesturing between the shapeshifter and Raven. "Are
you two
going steady again?"The sorcerer answered without looking away from the book in front of her face. "Not really.""See?
Raven is single now!" Speedy said quickly, shooting Aqualad another angry stare. "What are you doing singing about
my
girlfriend!?"Garfield glared at the archer and received an apologetic look that screamed
sorry, it's every man for himself now.The aquatic Titan once again contemplated the idea and approached Raven by the couch. "Well, actually, I
have
been meaning to ask-""No." The empath said dryly, once again without looking up from her book.Aqualad spun on his heels and went back to leaning on the wall and folding his arms, muttering under his breath. "Single. Yeah,
right."Damian and Rose exchanged amused looks and he chuckled whole-heartedly when he saw his brother tiredly rubbing his temples as Mas and Menos smiled at Starfire from afar."So…what do you think
you're
singing about?" Terra asked Raven. She had joined her on the couch as soon as the boys started arguing over them."Oh, I'm not singing." The sorcerer said surely.Bumblebee shared a look with Terra. "How are you so sure? You must have
something
to get off your chest…""I said I'm not singing." Raven repeated blankly. "I refuse to."The other two girls smiled at her confidence but secretly wished she was wrong, because they were more than a little curious."Wally, just say what you mean already!" Jinx suddenly raised her voice."Drop it, Jinx." Kid Flash walked away from her.She followed him. "What is
wrong
with you!?"The speedster turned around hastily. "What is wrong with
me!?"Everyone's focus was on them now. Even Raven looked up from her magic books. Jinx glared and opened her mouth to respond, but then, obviously, a soft melody started playing.Ravager sat cross-legged over the kitchen counter. "Well this is gonna be a disaster.""You and me we made a vow…" Kid Flash sang with teary eyes.Raven closed her book shut. "I think I need to get out of here. Excuse me."The empath floated away, dodging Wally's heartbreaking performance and Jinx's utterly disappointed face on her way. He was singing
I'm Not the Only One(Sam Smith)
and there were simply too many feelings around and they were too intense. She needed a break. If there wasn't time to meditate, she at least needed a few deep breaths in solitude."This is the weirdest thing that's ever happened to us." Nightwing pointed out, looking up from Raven's books to see Jinx looking angry while Wally continued to sing dramatically about being absolutely sure he had been cheated on."I agree." Cyborg frowned. "This is even worse than Control Freak!""Yes…" Starfire nodded. "I thought it was fun at first but now I think it can cause a lot of the problems.""Yeah and how long will this last for?" Garfield asked worriedly. "I mean, what if we need to go fight crime or something!?""Are you dreading your turn?" Conner smirked at him.The Changeling shrugged. "Just a little, I guess. I'm probably just gonna sing about Rae, though. I think I'm fine with that.""Are you dreading
her
turn?" Superboy asked insightfully.Garfield grimaced slightly. He
was
obsessing over that a bit. He wasn't dying to hear her sing about not loving him anymore or still resenting him deep down or something.Starfire noticed. "Do not worry, friend BB! She probably won't even
do
the singing.""I know I'm not the only one…"They turned around and held their breaths as Wally wrapped it up. Jinx looked absolutely heartbroken too. They both had tears in their eyes. Kid Flash fell silent the second the spell released him from his trance."What the fuck was
that
about?" Jinx hissed after a few seconds.Kid Flash was nearly panting to avoid breaking down. "I think it was pretty clear…""You think I
cheated
on you?" She angrily narrowed her eyes."I
know
you did. You and Conner disappeared for like forty minutes then came back all flustered, I'm not stupid!"Superboy suddenly straightened up. "Woah, wait a minute-""I
really
don't want to talk to
you
right now, Conner." Wally said menacingly."No, but-" Superboy pressed, but stopped and exhaled when the speedster ran out. He could follow him of course, but he didn't want to risk them bursting into song about this in the middle of Jump City. "Shit.""I hate to tell you, but that's what happens when you go around kissing other people's girlfriends." Dick said pointedly.Conner frowned. "I didn't. I mean, I
would. I definitely would. But I didn't.""Yeah, right." Garfield scoffed.Superboy was absolutely outraged. "Does
anyone
believe me?""About what?" Raven asked, reentering the room. With Wally gone it was slightly easier to stay there, though the heartache emanating from Jinx wasn't that much better. She frowned at her fellow sorcerer, standing in the middle of the room with a lost stare in her eyes."Making out with Jinx." Bumblebee muttered."He
didn't!" The enchantress yelled before hastily leaving the room without another word.Raven floated to the others' side between the couch and the TV. And then she rolled her eyes in annoyance when music started playing again. "What
now?"Terra got up from the couch in a trance and sensually walked around it. "Rule number one…"The empath took an intake of breath and puffed her chest, doing her best to control her face, because Terra sang the first verses of
How to Be a Heartbreaker (MARINA)
while flirtatiously caressing Garfield's hair and chest from behind the couch. He frowned and was slightly startled at first, but then he went into trance too and smiled up at her. Raven's whole body stiffened and her best efforts couldn't disguise her scorn anymore so she folded her arms and glared unapologetically while everyone else watched worriedly. She didn't exhale until Terra removed her hands from him and went to Speedy's side, but even then, she couldn't relax, because the shapeshifter was still in a trance and he was standing up now."Rule number two…" The blonde sang, walking around her boyfriend and teasing him with a flirty hand on his shoulder.And then it got really weird, because she sang the chorus while dancing tango with both her boyfriend and her ex at the same time. Raven puffed her chest a bit more and held her breath as Terra switched partner again and again, being charming and openly naughty the whole time. The lights flickered in the entire tower and a large crack appeared on the window."Friend Raven, are you okay?" Starfire whispered to her best friend.She was
not
okay. Her jaw was clenched and she was focusing on not losing control and accidentally dropping the ceiling over Terra and Beast Boy's heads. "Oh, I'm
wonderful. I'm
so glad
I came out of my room for this.""See? You should have made out with me. You still can." Conner said breezily, folding his arms behind his head, earning warning glares from both Nightwing and Cyborg.Raven didn't even look away, though. She was a little relieved when the chorus ended, because Terra moved on to sing to Aqualad."Rule number three…""Conner?" Nightwing frowned when Superboy went into trance and stood up, slowly walking towards the blonde as she danced around with the aquatic Titan."Rule number four…" Terra smiled at Conner and sang the verses with her back pressed to his chest, moving her hips along with his."Poor Speedy…" Cyborg mumbled.Terra danced tango with Aqualad and Superboy during the second chorus and Raven finally exhaled heavily. She felt a lot better now.
Okay, this isn't a song about Gar still having feelings for her. This is just a song about Terra being a player. He's her ex, of course he's in it. She's broken his heart a few times. This isn't that bad. For me, that is. It's pretty bad for Speedy.Terra sang the bridge of the song seductively in the middle of all four boys as they danced around her and took turns twirling her and lifting her and doing the dip with her while shooting her hungry eyes.Okay but I don't need this shit. The empath cleared her throat and forced her eyes to look away from him. "I'm not watching this." She teleported to her room before her powers caused even more damage than they already had.The last chorus was even flirtier and Starfire was happy Raven wasn't there. It was actually really good choreography and it would be highly entertaining if it wasn't so inappropriate."At least I think I do." Terra whispered the final words directly to Speedy, with her hands pressed to his chest and his arms around her.And then they all snapped out of it. And Speedy's face became extremely hurt. And Terra's, extremely regretful. Aqualad and Superboy tried to conceal their contentment. The Changeling rubbed his head and as soon as he realized what had just happened, he looked around for Raven. She wasn't there. And everyone else was as silent as they were awkward. Except for Damian and Rose, who just seemed amused and entertained, leaning over the kitchen counter. And Jinx, who reentered the ops room, but was still too upset to care about why they were all acting so dramatically weird towards one another."Roy…" Terra whispered to her boyfriend.Speedy pulled away from her. "No, don't. Just…I need to be alone."He left to go punch the punching bag in the training room and Nightwing followed him for support. The blond Titan exhaled and rubbed her arms, biting her lip. Aqualad tried to reach her to comfort her, but Superboy got there first.Garfield turned to the two amused teens by the kitchen counter. "Where is she?""Oh, she left before she accidentally murdered you both." Ravager said, poorly fighting back a smile. "You're in trouble."Damian chuckled loudly beside her.The Changeling slapped his own face in frustration and grunted. "Fuck."Terra's eyes suddenly widened as she listened to them.
Oh, shit. Raven.
She turned around to see Garfield heading towards the empath's room. "No, wait! Let me go first." She said, hurriedly walking past him. "It was
my
song."
I can't fuck up this friendship again.The shapeshifter hesitated, but her eyes and voice had a pleading urgency to them and she was already gone, so he sighed heavily and collapsed on the couch again. "I hate this spell."Cyborg elbowed him encouragingly. "Hey, it's all good."The Changeling opened his eyes to stare at his friend skeptically and then he saw the huge crack on their glass window and frowned.
Was that her?Bumblebee noticed what he was staring at and nodded, practically reading his mind. "Yeah, that was her." She decided to elaborate when his eyes widened. "But hey, if it helps, I think she relaxed when Conner and Aqualad joined in."Garfield glared at the aquatic Titan. He was still feeling sour about
Jessie's Girl. "You're a bad friend, by the way, you know that?"Aqualad scratched his head apologetically. "I…I've just been a little unlucky in love, okay?""Hey, Aqualad!" Ravager shouted from where she and Robin were practically giggling. Once the others turned their attention to them, she cleared her throat. "How come you control water and you're still so
thirsty?"The teens burst out laughing and the older Titans rolled their eyes at the joke. Except for Garfield and Superboy – they laughed whole-heartedly. Then Terra and Raven's voices sounded from the corridor and everyone fell silent to listen intently."Raven, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to dance with him.""You can dance with him, Terra. I don't own him.""Then why are you mad?""I'm not." Raven hastily walked – not floated, walked – back into the ops room and quickly headed to the couch, sitting down and picking up a book without meeting anyone's eyes.Garfield grimaced from the other end of the couch, unsure of whether he wanted her to look up at him or not. Everyone else's curious eyes on the empath suddenly disappeared when her powers pushed them all away until no one was crowding her anymore.Terra rushed in after her. "I don't even know what that was, Rae! I swear, this is worse than the Lasso of Truth!""Tell me about it." Jinx grumbled sadly."Wait, what? When did we use the Lasso of Truth?" Cyborg frowned."Not you, us. Girls night." Bumblebee answered.Terra was tapping her foot in front of the empath, who was holding up a book to her face. "Raven, stop ignoring me."The sorcerer looked up slightly. The truth was she knew she had no right to be annoyed. And yet, she was. "I'm not ignoring you, Terra. I simply don't have anything to say."The blonde narrowed her eyes and then decisively and boldly sat on Raven's lap, with her arms folded and her chin up. "Well try ignoring me
now."The empath glared at her at first, but her annoyance quickly switched targets when she sensed Superboy and Aqualad's arousal, so she let out a disgusted sound and blindfolded them with dark energy. Terra immediately understood and chuckled light-heartedly.And then Raven looked at her and her heart softened up. She knew they weren't in love. And these song choices were clearly out of their control. Besides, it was
Raven's
stalker who caused all of this in the first place. She sighed. "Terra…just give me some time, okay? This whole thing is stressing me out. I have to sense
everyone's
embarrassment and heartache while trying to find a way to end this...besides, shouldn't you be talking to Speedy?"Terra bit her lip and grimaced remorsefully."Hey, what's going on!?" Superboy complained. Her magic even blocked his X-Ray vision."Yeah man, let us see!" Aqualad protested.The Changeling chuckled, smiling fondly at the girls. "She's still on her lap. So hang in there.""And stop complaining or I'll gag you, too." Raven said pointedly, studying Terra's face and feelings. Aqualad and Superboy mumbled something under their breaths, but stopped talking. She leaned in and whispered to the blonde. "You've fallen out of love, haven't you?""I just…" Terra searched for the words in her head. "I've been sorta wanting to be single again and…well, I don't know how to tell him."The empath frowned a little. "I hate to break it to you, Ter, but I think you just did."The blonde grunted. "Shit. This isn't how I wanted to do this.""I don't doubt that. Still, you should clear the air with him. Also, get off my lap." Raven said stoically.Terra bit her lip again. "But are
we
okay?"The sorcerer rolled her eyes. "We're okay if you get off my lap."The blonde stood up immediately and beamed at her. Then Raven removed the dark energy from Conner and Aqualad's eyes and Terra blushed under their intrigued gazes. The sorcerer rolled her eyes again and floated to the kitchen to get a glass of water. Starfire followed her."Friend Raven, do not worry, we will find a solution…"The empath drank the water and restored the usual blank expression on her face. "We better. I swear, if this spell forces me to
express
myself…""Yeah, I agree." Damian said pointedly. He had been resisting the urge to sing for a while now. He definitely had stuff to sing about. "I feel sick just thinking about it.""I might actually puke." Rose nodded.At this point, Nightwing and Speedy came back and Terra pulled the archer aside to apologize and explain what that song had meant.Starfire ignored the younger Titans on the counter and addressed her best friend. "Even if it does, what's the worst that can happen? You sing about still loving Garfield?" When the empath shot her a light glare, she chuckled. "Rae, we kind of already know.""Yep." Damian confirmed.Rose nodded again. "Yeah that's not the huge secret you think it is.""No, I…I don't think it's a…" Raven sighed tiredly. "That's not what I'm afraid of singing about.""Oh?" Kory tilted her head in curiosity."Kor, I…" The sorcerer stopped talking and frowned at Robin, who was clearly struggling, trying to resist some kind of impulse…oh, wait. Is he going to sing?
"Damian?""Yeah, you!" Speedy, Aqualad, Mas and Menos sang in unison.Mysterious, upbeat music came out of nowhere."Yeah, you!" Nightwing, Superboy, Cyborg and Changeling sang it the second time.And then Robin couldn't fight it anymore. "I used to wanna be…"Ravager had been frowning at the boys singing to the pop-rock melody with excited grins on their faces, but then when she heard Damian's voice singing next to her, her head turned to him in shock. And then she took a sharp intake of breath in horror, because he was singing
Somebody to You (The Vamps)
directly
to
her. Rose freaked out and took a few steps backwards, but he just took a few steps forward and continued his musical confession."Shit." Raven whispered before exchanging a concerned look with Starfire. It was all very cute and charming, but she knew Damian would feel exposed.Rose Wilson was beyond overwhelmed. She heard what he was singing and it wasn't that she didn't like it; it was that she kind of did. It was confusing. He was openly singing about falling in love and the lyrics were as intense as they were flattering, but she didn't know how to feel about it and she didn't want to deal with it in front of everyone.So when he got to the chorus, she tried to run away. But when she turned around, Cyborg blocked her way. Then she ran to the other side and Conner did. Every boy in the room was in a trance and they were all singing backup to Damian and everywhere she turned, there was a boy to make sure she couldn't leave. Garfield and Richard gently pulled her by the hands and made her sit down on the couch. Then Damian got in front of her and sang the next verses twirling and dancing in a cool and charming manner.After he sang the line about needing to know her lips, Rose's flushed face turned to Raven. "Teleport me out of here!"The empath bit her lip and shook her head apologetically. It was too late for that. Now that could hurt Damian even more."Oh, oh, oh, now!"By the second chorus, the boys got behind Robin to back him up with some boy band choreography. Garfield was digging this one. It was cheerful and sweet. And he managed to glance at Raven more than a few times and wink, and he definitely saw her blush. Nightwing and Cyborg stole glances at Starfire and Bumblebee too. Rose saw a chance to escape once they were all behind Batman's son and got up to run away again, but there were speedsters in that group. Mas and Menos blocked her way and when she turned back around she froze, because Damian was suddenly standing so damn close to her."Look at me now, I'm falling…" He sang quietly and truthfully.Ravager's heart skipped a beat. Her stomach filled with butterflies.
Fuck. What is happening!? Don't look into his eyes. Get out, Rose. Get out, get out, get out.
She looked away from his deep, green eyes and realized she was surrounded again. Damian was extra cute on the last chorus and she could feel her heart melting and it absolutely terrified her."Yeah, you!"As soon as they were done and began snapping out of it, Rose and Damian stared at each other wide-eyed and embarrassed for about three seconds before he ran out without a word and then she ran out in a completely different direction.Raven sensed his anger, regret, hurt and anxiety the second he was done. So she silently floated after him and knocked softly on his door. "Damian, open up.""Leave me alone." Robin grumbled from inside his room.The empath sighed. "Listen, it wasn't that bad.""Easy for
you
to say, you haven't sung at all."Raven frowned. She had actually started feeling an itching desire to sing her feelings out, but she was adamant about resisting it. "Right, that's fair. But let me in anyway.""Go. Away. I don't need your pity.""Good, you don't have it." She said plainly. "And mind your tone."He sighed loudly and grunted at the same time.
Freaking Doomsday."Damian Wayne, stop feeling sorry for yourself. So you like a girl. It's not the end of the world. And we actually
have
been through the end of the world a few times."Raven smiled slightly – but triumphantly – when he opened the door with a tired, skeptical look. She didn't wait for an invitation and floated inside.Robin shut his door. "Are you here to tell me I should pursue these feelings?""Maybe I'm here to tell you suffocating them will get you nowhere."Damian huffed and folded his arms. "Well I'm
not
acting on them. So do you have anything
useful
to say? Like how to
kill
these…what am I talking about? Of course you
don't." He said bitterly. "If you knew how to get rid of this, you wouldn't be in love with Beast Boy."Raven frowned. "I know you're hurting, but I really don't like your tone. I'm here because I care about you. So tone down the attitude."That got to him a little. Her voice was calm and stern and it made him feel ashamed. Damian relaxed his muscles to get out of the defensive headspace he was in and sat on his bed, cradling his head in his hands. "Sorry."She smiled softly. "You know I
could
take it away, but I won't. These feelings are yours and you're supposed to experience them. And I know this wasn't how you would have planned to tell her…" She waited for his bitter laughter. "…but it's done now. Aren't you curious to talk to her? Don't you want to know if she likes you too? I know it's scary, but…sometimes it's good.""No, don't give me that." Damian looked up to frown at her. "Love ruined your life. Love got you captured and tortured and nearly enslaved. Then love cost you your freedom and senses, it nearly made you lose sight of who you are. Don't try to tell me it's a good thing." He said pointedly. "And I know, I know. I'm not you, I'm human. But…that doesn't mean I'd be okay."Raven took a deep breath and sat down next to him. "That's all very true." She nodded. "But…and I never told you this. In fact, I never told anyone this…"He straightened up to look at her with curious eyes. "What?""Well, when we fought the Dark Phoenix, I was
just
about to unleash Trigon to fight it when I felt a miniscule spark. And then I risked
everything
chasing that spark instead of following the plan and
that's
how I figured out where my white magic comes from. It gave me enough power to expel that monstrous force out of that poor girl's body…""Raven? I know all that." Damian chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Starfire tells that story, like, every week."The empath smiled slightly. "Yes, but…what you
don't
know because she couldn't tell you because only Garfield knows is…well, is
why
I did it. Why I recklessly abandoned reason for hope and so why Jean and I are
both
alive today."Now he was truly curious. When she put it like that, it did sound very out of character for Raven. "Why?""Because Gar asked me not to die."Damian's frown disappeared and was replaced by surprised, wide eyes. "Oh.""He made me promise to do everything in my power to live. There were four eyes on my face already when his voice in my head made me push Trigon back to the shadows as soon as I felt that spark." Raven told him in a soft voice. She could see and sense that now the young Robin was lost in thought and she stood up. "So you see,
sometimes
love makes you incredibly strong. Sometimes it makes you the stuff of
legend."Damian exhaled loudly and allowed all that information to sink in as she floated towards the door to give him some privacy."So…it's a gamble then, huh?" He said just before she left his room. "A Russian roulette where you can either win the lottery or get shot in the leg?"Raven smiled knowingly at him, standing by his door. "I guess you'll just have to be brave, Damian al Ghul Wayne. And just in case you're wondering, she's on the roof."And just like that, the sorcerer left to her own room to look through some books away from everyone else's feelings. And Damian decided she was right as usual. The fact that she brought up his lineage made him more aware of how little sense it made to be scared of this. If there was one thing he could be, it was brave. As Robin headed to the roof, he heard music again and curiously took a peek into the ops room to get a glimpse of whatever was going on."I'm still learning to love…" Jinx and Kid Flash were performing on one side of the room while Terra and Speedy sang the same song on the other. Their voices were harmonizing beautifully and full of sadness and sorrow.Damian knew that one. It was
Say Something (A Great Big World, Christina Aguilera). He was glad no one noticed him and made his way to the roof before he lost his courage again. Ravager was standing there in armor, staring out into the bay. Somehow, they could still hear the sad breakup song coming from the ops room."I'm sorry about that." He announced himself.Rose turned around, startled at his voice.
Oh, shit.
"Damian! That…yeah, sure. I know."Robin took careful steps towards her. "I know that was embarrassing for both of us."Ravager decided to make a joke and lighten the mood. She still wanted to be his friend. "Was it? I didn't notice."Damian chuckled, now standing very close to her. The dramatic melody from the ops room got louder and more powerful and he looked into Rose's eyes. "I did mean it, though. Every word."She took a sudden intake of breath and held it in. This wasn't how she expected this conversation to go. She didn't know what she expected, but it certainly wasn't him owning up to it.
He's saying he has feelings for me. What the fuck am I supposed to do with that?
"I…I don't know what I'm supposed to say."Robin took one more step in her direction so that they were inches away from each other. "I think this is the part where you tell me if you have feelings for me too."Rose frowned. "I…"
Of course I do. "I…"
I think I might love you. "I'm not sure."Damian smiled and boldly brought his hands up to cradle her shocked face. "Then let me do this and help you figure it out." He whispered before leaning in to kiss her.Ravager's frown slowly disappeared as she closed her eyes and kissed him back before she could even think about it. It felt good. It felt right. It felt like cheesy, stupid fireworks and she
wanted
to reach out and run her hands up his back or through his hair, but she didn't. She just lightly touched his elbows while he held her face. Her chest ached and she cursed internally, because she knew. She just knew she was doomed. And then he pulled away right when the singing stopped. Rose stared at his expectant, small smile and then opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. So she took a step back with a tortured look on her face and ran away again without another word. It was her turn to lock herself in her room.Damian's heart sank. He refused to cry, because with everything that was happening with his grandfather, crying over a rejection seemed silly. But he wanted to. He really wanted to. So he dragged himself back to the ops room instead, looking to be distracted by other people's heartache. Jinx and Wally were fighting while Terra and Speedy just awkwardly stared at each other in some weird and tragic mutual understanding."What do
you
have to be upset about, Jinx?" Wally frowned.The enchantress fought back tears. "How about the fact that you don't trust me?""Yeah well, why would I? It's not like you haven't done this before." Kid Flash blurted out harshly. "Once a cheater always a cheater, right?"That broke Jinx's heart. Her teary eyes filled with anger at an intensity they hadn't seen yet.And that was the
exact
moment Raven floated inside, oblivious to the drama going on in there. "Hey guys, I figured out how to undo this spell. I just need something of Klarion's…" She trailed off when she sensed the tension, hurt and anger in the room.Cyborg immediately went for the main computer. "Don't worry; I'll locate that jerk in no time."Jinx's eyes burned with fiery determination. "You know what!?" She walked up to the empath and stretched her hand out, never removing her eyes from her boyfriend. "Raven, this is how you repay me for stopping your lame ex. Here, look through my memories."Everyone was shocked. And everyone was confused. Mostly because they all thought she
had
cheated. Conner wasn't there since he'd left as soon as the breakup song started, because he didn't want to deal with Speedy or Wally when it ended. Kid Flash was definitely taken aback by Jinx's suggestion and frowned.
There's no way Raven would cover for her. What is she doing? Is she bluffing?The sorcerer was just uncomfortable at this point, with all eyes on her and Jinx's hand hovering in the air.
I keep picking the worst possible moments to come out of my room. When she did nothing, the enchantress turned her head to her and Raven grimaced apologetically. "Ah…I don't usually like to meddle and-""Too bad." Jinx cut her off, holding her wrists and forcing her memories onto her.The empath stumbled backwards and closed her eyes at the painful sensation of having someone else's memories harshly thrown inside her mind. Garfield instinctively took a step towards her, but Jinx shot him a stare that meant
she'll be fine.
And then Raven unwillingly watched a scene play out in front of her. It was slightly unfocused with slightly muffled voices, because it was a memory, but Jinx and Conner were definitely outside Titan Tower."So when will you stop pretending you don't want to kiss me?""I'm not." Jinx rolled her eyes. "You're hot, Conner. But that doesn't change anything."Superboy walked towards her. "I'd argue it does. I'd think you're the kind of girl who does whatever she wants."The enchantress narrowed her eyes at him. "Usually, yes. But not this time."He walked up to her until her back hit the side of the building and attraction sparkled between them for a moment. Superboy leaned closer and whispered. "I want you."She smirked, ignoring the accidental misfortune blast she'd shot backwards when he trapped her against the wall. "You want everyone."Conner chuckled softly. "Well maybe you can change that."Shit, he's good. Jinx struggled a little, but she placed her hands on his chest, adamantly stopping him. Her eyes became more serious. "I can't. I won't. I love Wally."Raven noticed the enchantress's bad luck shot started damaging the tower's structure.Superboy sighed loudly in frustration. "Why does this keep happening to me?"Jinx shrugged slightly and smiled. "Sorry.""Seriously, what do these guys have that I don't? Richard? Garfield? Wally?"The enchantress tilted her head to the side. "Sincerity and vulnerability?"He stared at her with surprise in his eyes for a few seconds, then chuckled. "Okay, fair."And then the side of the building finally started to cave because of Jinx's accidental shot. Conner rushed to hold it in place with his strength. "Shit, was this us?""Probably." She said nervously as larger cracks appeared around the weakened spot. "Damn, that's gonna do some damage.""Can't you just fix it with magic or something? I only have two hands and it's getting bigger.""Ah…my magic is more about breaking stuff than putting stuff back together…""Fuck, if we take down the tower we'll never hear the end of it."Then the structure threatened to crumble and Jinx flew into the air to give it her best shot. She summoned her magic again, remembering when she worked with Raven on attempting to reverse her skills to have the opposite effect they usually did. If she could jinx things, she could potentially fix them too. But she'd only done small things so far. It didn't matter, because Superboy was right, they would
never
hear the end of it. So she focused as her eyes glowed pink and she fixed the tower's structure back to perfection. Raven smiled absentmindedly as she watched the blurry memory."Okay…enough of this…let's just go back…" Jinx panted."Yeah, okay." Conner nodded, a bit tired from the effort himself. "So do you think I have a shot with Terra or is she all about sincerity and vulnerability too?" He smiled charmingly. "Because I can try sincerity, but…I'm literally invulnerable."The enchantress chuckled, rushing back inside.Raven opened her eyes and looked into Jinx's surprisingly vulnerable ones as the memory ended and she was pulled back. "You didn't cheat." She whispered with a slight hint of surprise in her voice. And then she was hit by the wave of shock and regret from everyone else.Kid Flash made his way to them and stared at the empath intently, as if looking for any signs she wasn't telling the truth.Raven returned his stare. "He tried. But…they didn't. I mean, they nearly took down the tower, which is probably why they looked messy and guilty when they came back, but…she rejected him." The empath pulled her hand back and hurriedly went to stare out the window, because all these emotions had dangerously intensified her urge to burst into song.Garfield wanted to follow her, but he still wasn't sure she'd want to talk, so he focused on the drama unfolding in front of him.Wally turned to Jinx with the most regretful look that had ever crossed his face. "Shit. Jinx, I-""Save it." The enchantress frowned. "I didn't do this so we wouldn't break up. I did this so you would know
why
we broke up. It was because you couldn't trust me."Kid Flash's eyes filled with tears. "No, wait…please…" He tried to follow her as she walked away from him, but her glare made him stop dead in his tracks, unsure of what to say.Meanwhile, Richard had approached a clearly distressed Damian. "Hey, man. How are you doing? Have you talked to Rose?"Robin shot him a miserable look. "Oh, I'm
great." He said sarcastically. "And yeah. That's dead. Good thing, too. We should be focused on Ra's instead of all this."Nightwing frowned. "No, Damian, that…your feelings are important too. What do you mean
that's dead?
What did she say?""Literally nothing." Robin answered bitterly before picking up a beer and drinking from the bottle, looking sideways as if daring Richard to stop him with his eyes."Listen, Damian-""Raven…?" Starfire suddenly asked, averting everyone's attention to the empath by the window. "Are you okay…?"She wasn't. Raven was hugging herself so tightly her knuckles had turned white, and even though they were looking at her back, they could tell she was struggling with something. And then she started making small, painful sounds."Li-ugh…lit-mmm…" The sorcerer squeezed her eyes shut, furrowing her brows."Rae!?" The Changeling's heart tightened with concern. "What's wrong?"Nightwing got it first. "Oh…" When everyone turned to him for an explanation, he leaned forward and whispered. "I think it's happening to her…"Their eyes widened in realization. Garfield sensed that he was about to sing too and braced himself. Jinx felt grateful for the shift of focus in the room – and rather curious."Mmm lit-mmh…"Terra turned to Raven again and smiled slightly. "It's happening. She's gonna sing.""Mmmhh nooo I'm not…" The empath shook her head."It's okay, Rae…just go with it…" Bumblebee whispered soothingly.Starfire nodded. "Yes, please…resisting is hurting you, friend."Damian frowned. He was still a little sour because of her advice earlier and what it led to, but he definitely didn't want her to be as embarrassed as he was right now."Little do you know…" Raven breathed out and started singing quietly about not being totally healed from heartache while soft music accompanied her. She didn't know this song, but the words just kept coming to her.
No, please. Please don't make me sing about this. I can't keep bringing this up. He's apologized enough, he'll get sick of it and I'll lose him. I can't hold this over his head forever.
She didn't want to sing about it. She wanted to be over it so badly. She just wanted to be happy – or at least some version of that – already.As soon as the Changeling heard her breathy, pained voice, he knew what she was singing and he knew he was going to sing it with her. He didn't resist at all. He
wanted
to sing these words to her. Raven turned around to look at him after the first few verses of
Little Do You Know (Alex & Sierra)
and Garfield's heart ached when he saw tears in her eyes."…for the fear that you might change your mind…" At this point, the sorcerer was completely in trance, her resistance entirely gone and her voice dripping with emotion. When she sang about needing more time, she turned around to look away from him again and hugged herself in fear – she had no idea how the rest of this song would go. And then she heard his voice and it immediately soothed her heart."I'll wait, I'll wait…" Garfield sang his part, walking up to her. She turned back around to look up at him with vulnerable eyes and he stared deeply into them and meant every single word. When he sang
lay your head on me
she almost did, but then she pulled away and took a few steps back. The shapeshifter kept looking at her and singing devotedly.Raven listened while he offered the most comforting words she could have possibly heard at that moment with heartwarming sincerity.
He knows I'm hurting. He knows I'm not there yet. And he still loves me.
Her eyes widened and she started singing with him at the chorus, as they slowly walked towards each other."I love you like I've never felt the pain…""They sound great together, huh?" Cyborg whispered, but both Bumblebee and Starfire shushed him because they were watching intently, so he rolled his eyes.At the last chorus, Garfield reached out and held her hands. His heart was racing and his stomach was full of butterflies, because Raven kept singing about loving him over and over again. It was way better than he could have imagined. This song wasn't resentful; it was about healing and needing a bit more time. Little did she know she could have all the time in the world; he wasn't going anywhere. Every time she sang
I love you
to him, his chest burned in the best possible way and by now he had a smile on his face. And then at that final
lay your head on me,
she actually did finally lay her head on his shoulder. He stroked her hair and finished the song with his last verse. "I love you 'till the sun dies…"Raven snapped out of it as soon as he was done, and as comforting as his words had been, she realized she
had
just poured her heart out in song in front of a bunch of her friends and she felt much more vulnerable than she was comfortable with. She pulled away, but didn't meet his eyes. Instead, her own eyes helplessly tried to find a safe spot on the floor to stare at. She knew he was watching her. She knew
everyone
was watching her. And then she suddenly felt like a school girl in a bad dream about being naked in front of an audience, so she did the only thing she could think of. She ran out to her room."Aren't you gonna follow her, dude?" Cyborg nudged his best friend after a few seconds of absolute silence.Garfield exhaled and nodded. "In a minute. She needs a minute."Superboy came back and sighed at the palpable tension. "What now? What did I miss?""You missed Raven singing." Bumblebee smirked when he seemed frustrated. "You wouldn't love it; it was a love duet with Beast Boy."Conner chuckled. "Oh, I don't know. I kinda ship them now."The shapeshifter turned to him in surprise. "You do?""Sure." Superboy shrugged friendly. Two guys hating him was quite enough, he didn't want to add Garfield back to that list. Besides, he
did
think they were sweet together."You also missed Rae going through Jinx's memories and telling us you two never kissed." Cyborg reported."Oh, I see." Conner noticed a grumpy Jinx on the couch and a miserable Wally by the kitchen counter.
I might have to apologize to him anyway.Raven was in her room trying to meditate and work through the overload of embarrassment this whole day had caused her. She was more than a little relieved about what that song revealed about Garfield's feelings, though. But then at the same time, she hadn't planned on telling him how much she still loved him
today. And she definitely hadn't planned on telling him she was still hurting because of what he did. She had been poorly meditating for a few minutes when she sensed him and then heard him knock.The Changeling sighed when he got nothing but silence from the other side of her door. "Rae?" Still no answer. "C'mon, please. No one's gonna say anything. I reminded them of Slade and Rouge and Lex and Eclipso and the Joker and I promise, everyone's still scared of you."Raven couldn't help but smile a little. "Really? Are you sure?"Garfield's lips spread into a wide and relieved grin at the sound of her voice. "Yeah, of course! Besides, they're all too caught up in their own embarrassment to give you a hard time, trust me. Please come back. Cy says he's almost locating Klarion."The empath opened her door just a crack and stared at him with suspicious eyes.He chuckled whole-heartedly. "I promise it didn't humanize you as much as you think."Raven relaxed slightly. "Good. One person not being scared of me is enough.""Is that one person supposed to be me? Who said I'm not scared of you?""You did. Multiple times.""Right." Garfield chuckled again. "Well, yes, technically, I'm not scared of you. But I still think you're scary. I dig it, actually. You're as hellish as you are heavenly. It's a rush."She blushed and rolled her eyes. "Flatterer."The Changeling beamed when he saw her blush. "So…you're not mad I danced with Terra anymore?"Raven frowned. "I was never mad about that; it was just…unpleasant to watch." She shivered slightly at the memory.Garfield felt a little guilty. He was so relieved when she didn't sing to Conner with the other girls and he'd witnessed first-hand how miserable the guys were watching that. She didn't put him through that.
That's because she's fucking perfect.
And then he goes and dances a flirty tango with his ex. It wasn't his choice, obviously, but still. "I'm sorry anyway. I don't want you to think that there's room in my heart for anyone else and-""There is, Gar. She
is
in your heart. And that's okay." Raven told him softly. He was about to protest, so she spoke first. "Am I still the exclusive ruler?"The shapeshifter blushed and smiled at her. "The one and only.""Then I don't care that she has a place in it. I understand. It's okay, I promise. I don't even care if you're still attracted to her."
I mean you just sang about loving me 'till the freaking sun dies."No, I'm not still-""Gar, I know." She said quickly. "I didn't mean to imply anything. I'm just saying…it's okay."The Changeling smiled wider. "Have I told you how perfect you are today?"Raven rolled her eyes and ignored the compliment. "So how are
you?
With all this…drama?"He shrugged. "I'm weirdly okay. I just…do you wanna maybe talk about what we just sang?"
Because I really, really do.The empath nodded once. "Later. I need to meditate some more. But…I'll go back in there soon, I promise. Thanks for coming after me. It helped."Garfield smiled affectionately and felt his chest swell with pride for doing right by her. He playfully kissed the back of her hand while she rolled her eyes again and then he headed back to the ops room. He could already hear a soft new melody playing there.

Little

Do You Know (Alex & Sierra)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Krypto, Salem and Silkie had been utterly confused since the Titans came back early from karaoke night. They were enjoying all the singing though, especially Krypto – Salem was mostly hiding behind him and watching from afar. Now it was Nightwing's turn to burst into song, apparently."Goin' out tonight…"Starfire smiled and felt her stomach flutter with butterflies when he started singing the verses of
Night Changes (One Direction)
lovingly to her. She gasped cutely when all the other boys joined in to sing backup once he got to the chorus. It was cheesy and romantic and there was something deep and meaningful in his eyes that made her heart race.The emotional lyrics were getting to her and her eyes welled up a bit. The boys dispersed and Richard sang verses again as he walked towards her with utter sincerity on his face. By the time the others rejoined at the second chorus, dancing around them, Kory giggled and allowed happy tears to roll down her cheeks, thinking this was probably the cutest thing that would ever happen to her. And then Dick took her hand and placed it over his heart, looking into her eyes as he softly sang the bridge of the song."…only getting' older, baby…"Raven came back into the ops room just in time to watch something in awe – something that warmed her heart and brought a soft smile to her lips. Nightwing had all the boys doing charming boy band choreography behind him while a cheerful melody played and they sang the last chorus of
Night Changes
to Kory, who was smiling hugely and crying happy tears.Garfield was merrily stealing glances at the empath as he sang and she absentmindedly smiled wider. Then she noticed Dick and tilted her head, narrowing her eyes. It was a really cute song, but it was also about growing up. Raven analyzed the way Richard was looking at her best friend and thought she saw a serious glint in his eyes and sensed certainty in his emotional state.
Is he saying he wants to propose?"It will never change me and you…" Nightwing finished the song, walking up to his girlfriend again with a huge smile on his face, and pulling her into a passionate kiss.There were cheers and applause after that one. Even Wally and Roy smiled fondly, in spite of their own heartache. So did Jinx, though she also rolled her eyes. Damian, on the other hand, hid his smile and frowned, silently going to sit by the large window once he snapped out of it. Ravager was still in her room."Okay,
that
was adorable!" Terra clapped.Cyborg chuckled. "Yeah,
finally,
some fun!""It was
awesome!" Garfield exclaimed in a high-pitched, excited voice.Kid Flash went to Jinx's side to start begging for forgiveness as soon as the song ended.Nightwing hugged his girlfriend tightly, feeling like the luckiest person in the world – much like he had since she forgave him – and noticed Raven raising an eyebrow at him with a Monalisa smile on her lips, so he chuckled light-heartedly. "Babe, I'll be right back. I think Rae has something to say to me."Kory pulled away and beamed. "Okay, love! I'll go check on friend Jinx."Richard approached the empath with a slightly embarrassed look on his face. "I know, I know. It was cheesy."Raven was extremely amused. "Well, yes. But…" She narrowed her eyes. "I feel like it
meant
something. Something…huge."Nightwing sustained his cool smile and so did she, so they engaged in an unspoken, spontaneous staring contest for quite a while."Are you thinking about what I think you're thinking about?" Raven finally asked; her eyes still narrow and suspicious.Richard relaxed.
Yep, she knows. She knows I'm thinking about proposing to Kor. "I might be. Would you help me?"Her face lit up – as far as Raven goes. "It will be my pleasure."Nightwing was
extremely
relieved, because he really did need help. Romance wasn't his strong suit. "Do you think I should keep it plain and simple or-""Forget simple. It's Kor. Think big." The empath said quickly, getting a heartwarming chuckle out of him. Then she saw Damian and her smile fell as her eyes lingered on the young boy looking out the window by himself.Dick followed her gaze and frowned. "Yeah…I know."Raven sighed. "I think Rose freaked out on him. She's still in her room."Richard nodded. "I think so too. With the League of Assassins and everything else, I'm just afraid he's shutting down again.""Me too.""I guess we just keep trying, then?""Of course. I'll go talk to Rose, too.""Does she like him back, Rae?" Nightwing watched her reaction intently, but he still couldn't read her. "C'mon, I promise I won't tell him."Raven shrugged. "What she feels isn't as important as what she does with it."He rolled his eyes fondly. "Sometimes this whole high and wise thing you do is a little infuriating, you know?"The empath chuckled softly. "I do. But what am I supposed to-" She stopped talking and closed her eyes to sigh tiredly when music started playing out of nowhere again. "What
now?""I'm not a perfect person…" Wally West sang the verses of
The Reason (Hoobastank)
to Jinx.The enchantress held her breath and stared into his sincere, sorrow-filled eyes, taking in every comforting word of this apology song he was doing a wonderful job of serenading her to."Oh, that's nice. Right?" Raven turned to Nightwing again, but he was in a trance, walking up to Starfire while the Changeling came over, apparently in that same trance. Garfield sat down across from her and stared at her lovingly and wordlessly, the same way Dick did to Kory, until Wally got to the chorus and they both started singing along. The empath rolled her eyes and smiled slightly. She didn't need another apology. But Jinx needed hers and apparently Kid Flash needed backup singers, so she just focused on resisting the urge to interrupt him with a kiss."I'm sorry that I hurt you…" It was Wally's turn to sing solo again as he stepped closer to a now clearly emotional Jinx and poured his heart out.Richard and Garfield backed him up one more time by the second chorus, but then two silent tears rolled down the enchantress's face and her voice joined Kid Flash's once he got to the bridge of the song, because she also had stuff to apologize for. She did get flirty with Conner. Besides, it was simply a fact: she
had
changed because of Wally in the first place, so she meant each of these words as she sang the rest of the song with him, staring deeply into his eyes."And the reason is you…" Kid Flash wrapped it up with remorseful eyes. His expression didn't change after he was finished. "Jinx, I'm so, so sorry. I should have believed you. I'm never making that mistake again, I swear."She bit her lip, allowing a relieved smile on her face before leaning in for a soft kiss.The Changeling and Nightwing had actually snapped out of their trance as soon as the song became a duet. And the shapeshifter had been smiling breezily at Raven ever since, enjoying the way her cheeks got slightly rosier under his gaze. His grin widened at the sound of their friends making up, but he didn't remove his eyes from her. "Well, at least
that
worked out."The empath nodded. "Indeed." When he just continued to smile at her, she frowned worriedly. "Are you about to burst into song?"Garfield chuckled softly. "Sadly, no. I kinda wanna sing to you again, but…""Oh, that's okay." Raven said way too quickly, making him laugh louder.He noticed she seemed a bit distracted. "What is it?""Don't look now, but…I think Terra and Speedy are about to break up.""What!?" Garfield turned his neck at once to stare at them and Raven gave his head a gentle smack, making him yelp and turn back to her. "Hey!""What did I
just
say?"The shapeshifter smiled sheepishly and rubbed his head. It didn't hurt at all, but he thought maybe if he acted cute about it, he could get something out of it. "Don't look now. Sorry. You didn't need to
slap
me for it, though."Raven rolled her eyes. "Please, I barely touched you."Garfield pointed at his head. "It's totally gonna leave a bump." He held back laughter, because there was absolutely no chance of it leaving a bump, but now she was looking slightly guilty, so he felt bold and shot her a cheeky look. "I mean, if you want to slap me, there
are
nicer ways and more appropriate contexts…"She grunted and rolled her eyes again, folding her arms. "Shut up."The shapeshifter chuckled hysterically. "So you
hit me
and then tell me to
shut up?
Where did you shove that sweet violet-cloaked Raven?""I didn't
hit you,
don't be ridiculous." The empath said with narrowed eyes.He sighed dramatically. "I miss Affection. She would at least kiss it better…"Raven frowned.
Wait, did I actually hurt him?
She started to fear the worst, because it wasn't like it'd never happened before. She'd lost her temper and exaggerated a bit once or twice when they were younger. But not for a long, long time now. She could sense he wasn't upset – in fact, he was rather happy – but that could just be Garfield being Garfield. "Gar, are you…serious?"The shapeshifter shrugged, completely committed to playing the victim. "Don't worry; you can hit me all you want. I'll take it."Her eyes widened. "No, wait." She immediately reached out to check his head for a bump.
There's no way, I was careful. But…what if I'm too messed up because of all these emotions and miscalculated?
"I'm sorry."Garfield was taken aback by her urgent – and almost desperate – response and held her wrists, bringing her hands down with an apologetic look on his face. "Rae, I was messing with you."Raven exhaled loudly in relief, which was quickly replaced by outrage, so she glared and gave him yet another gentle smack, making him chuckle this time. "Idiot."The Changeling forced himself to stop laughing. "Sorry, love. I didn't think you'd buy it."She crossed her arms over her chest. "I didn't.""You soooo did!" Garfield smiled and tilted his head cutely. "You were all worried and guilty!"Raven decided to regain the upper hand and smirked. "Right. My mistake. Next time I'll just tell you to sleep it off."The shapeshifter's smug smile fell at once. "No, wait! I wasn't complaining!""No, of course not. Just making me feel guilty and worried and then mocking me for it." She pondered in an amused manner. When he desperately opened his mouth to argue, she raised a hand to silence him. "Lesson learned, I won't worry about you so much.""What!?
No, wait! I-""I said I don't
want
to talk. Leave me
alone!" Damian spat out rudely, trying to make his way out of the ops room while his brother tried to follow. Then a soft melody came out of nowhere and he grunted, walking faster.
Not this again.
At least he didn't feel an urge to sing.Garfield's eyebrows shot up. "Woah, what do you think this one's gonna be about?" The shapeshifter turned his head when she didn't answer. "Rae?"Raven appeared out of thin air in Damian's way before he could leave the room. She seemed like she was in musical trance and the young Robin frowned questioningly, but then another voice started singing behind him."Step one, you say we need to talk…" Richard's soothing voice delivered the first verses of
How to Save a Life (The Fray).Damian turned around dreadfully and found that, in fact, it was just as he feared. His brother was singing that song to
him. Raven had moved to mysteriously stare out the window, but now Dick was by his side and his escape was ruined. So the young boy folded his arms and glared. "This isn't going to work.""Some sort of window…" The empath's breathy voice joined Richard's, harmonizing with him as she sang much higher notes, still staring out the glass.Robin turned his head to her in shock. "Seriously!?"Then they got to the chorus and Nightwing placed both his hands on Damian's shoulders. The young Robin avoided his brother's eyes and pulled away when he began singing verses again. It was a good song and the lyrics were starting to get to him, especially when Dick was singing them with that much intensity.Jinx figured Rose might want to be there for this one, so she went to Ravager's room to get her, but on her way, she realized she could hear a completely different melody growing louder as the one from the ops room got weaker. It was definitely coming from Rose's room. The pink-haired enchantress pressed her ear against the door."I tell myself I don't care that much…" Ravager sang in a strangled, yet melodious voice.Jinx opened the door to see Rose performing a very dramatic rendition of
Only Love Can Hurt Like This (Paloma Faith)
in her room. She thought about making fun of her at first, but then the spell took over and the enchantress involuntarily started singing soft backing vocals to Slade's daughter while she clung to furniture as if her life depended on it, grabbed her hair and slid down the wall, singing her heart out with a pained face.Meanwhile, in the ops room, Damian was still trying to look away, but it was challenging when Richard was right in front of him. Raven kept nailing her soft high notes on every other verse and everyone else just appreciated how good they sounded and the emotional weight of this particular performance. And then Robin felt his eyes start to well up a bit by the end of the second chorus and decided running away was the only acceptable course of action.The empath teleported in front of him again. "…he begins to raise his voice…"Damian hadn't noticed the others were in trance now too until he tried to run in a different direction. Every Titan in the room was in on it. He wasn't going anywhere."Where did I go wrong…" Everyone sang in a complex vocal harmony arrangement.Robin frowned and looked around desperately, trying to figure out an escape route as his brother once again walked up to him with sincere and emotional eyes. "Seriously!? You're
surrounding
me?"At the same time, Ravager dropped to her knees inside her room, finishing her song as a single tear rolled down her cheek. "It must have been the deadly kiss…"Jinx slowly approached the other girl when the spell released her. "Rose?"She closed her eyes and hid her face as more tears fell, then quickly wiped her cheeks and stood up, trying to cover up the pain. "I…I don't know what that was."The enchantress smiled sadly and pulled her into a hug. "I do. It's okay."Ravager hesitated at first and remained stiff, but then she relaxed and hugged Jinx back after a few seconds. She did need
some
sort of comfort. "If you tell anyone, I'll kill you."The pink-haired girl chuckled. "Yeah, I know. I mean, Conner probably heard you and Raven will definitely pick up on those feelings, but those aren't my fault."Rose grunted loudly in frustration, realizing she was right."You should just go to him. You two are the most coward badasses I know."Ravager rolled her eyes and pulled away. She knew how she felt now, and it was intense. There was no point denying it. But it still scared her. Besides, she ran away when he kissed her. He probably resented that. "Whatever. What did I miss?""A
lot." Jinx said pointedly, pulling the white-haired girl by the arm and filling her in as they headed back to the ops room.Meanwhile, Nightwing was wrapping it up while staring into Robin's now clearly watery eyes. "How to save a life…" He embraced his brother tightly as soon as he sang his final words.And then Damian finally broke down. He let out a single soft sob and that was it. The young boy wept in Richard's arms and before he could even think about feeling embarrassed, he felt Starfire's arms around them. Then Raven's. Then Garfield's. And then he was enveloped in an overwhelming, but extremely heartwarming group hug, reminding him he didn't need to be strong all the time and Ra's wasn't his burden to carry alone. None of them carried burdens alone anymore, because they were on a team. And just for a moment, they forgot all the awkwardness this weird evening had brought upon them.Robin wiped his face and chuckled slightly, feeling a lot better. "Okay, okay, that's enough. Get off of me.""Not yet." Starfire said merrily, making him sigh."Well,
how sweet." Jinx teased as she walked in on the group hug with Ravager.This time they all laughed light-heartedly and dispersed. Kid Flash went to Jinx's side and Ravager quickly walked up to Damian, who was obviously avoiding her eyes."Hey, there.""Hey, Rose."Ravager cleared her throat.
He's hurt. I fucking hurt him.
"I'm sorry I ran away earlier. I…I just, you know, you kinda caught me off guard."Damian looked up at her and grimaced. "Yeah, sorry. Can we maybe forget that?"Rose frowned.
Are you kidding me!? You kiss me and make me realize I love you then you want me to forget!? No way. Don't be a pussy now, Rose.
"I…don't you want to talk about it?"Robin's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I…I could talk about it." He shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "I mean, if you want to talk about it.""I'm not sure what I want, but I think we
have
to talk about it." She pondered. "But…it can wait if you want. I know you have a lot going on right now."Damian gave her a small, grateful smile. "Yeah, okay. Rain check, then.""Rain check." Ravager nodded. She could wait until he wasn't obsessing over his grandfather."Found him." Cyborg said pointedly, showing Klarion's location on the main computer.Nightwing raised a strategic hand in the air. "Titans, let's-""I got him." Superboy stated confidently before flying off.Richard dropped his hand and sighed. "Great.""Actually, I think he can take Klarion." Raven said calmly. "Especially since he won't see him coming.""Besides, if we all go what are the chances we don't burst into song and perform some elaborate group number about it?" Rose shivered at the thought."I guess you're right." Nightwing turned to Raven. "So, what do you need?""Help me set up the reverse spell on the roof."Between Raven, Jinx, Nightwing, Bumblebee and Starfire, there were way more people than necessary already to paint a symbol on the floor and light up some candles, so Garfield decided to dig some gossip to share with the empath later. He approached Terra on the edge of the roof. "So…what's up with
that?" The shapeshifter tilted his head towards a distraught Speedy. "Rae thought maybe you were breaking up earlier."The blonde smiled sadly and nodded. "We did break up.""Oh. Are you okay?""Yes. It was mutual. It was just time." She said breezily.Garfield couldn't help but chuckle at that, though secretly thanking God for getting over her. It clearly wasn't mutual. "You little heartbreaker." He said teasingly, referring to her song.Terra grimaced apologetically. "Sorry about that."He waved a hand to dismiss her concerns. "That's okay. I was just worried about what Rae would think, but she was cool."The blond Titan smiled again, this time with eager curiosity. "By the way, what's up with
that?
Like, where do you two stand right now? What are you?"The Changeling just shrugged and grinned easily. "We're us, I guess. I can't ask for more than that. I don't want to ask for anything when I've taken so much."Terra's smile became soft and friendly. "Well, whatever you are, I'm glad I didn't ruin it because I have a lot of love for you both."He turned to look at her. "Yeah we have love for you too, Ter."Maybe it was because he was talking about her, but Garfield started getting an itchy desire to sing to Raven again. In fact, he was going to, because soft melodious notes started playing out of nowhere and everyone else seemed exasperated, but he knew it was him and he knew what song it was. Superboy suddenly flew in with Klarion and harshly dropped him on the roof."Oh, good. Let's end this, please!" Cyborg pulled the Witch Boy into his grasp while Jinx bound him with her misfortune magic."Wait." Garfield said, surprising everyone. "Let me do this one more. I need to say this."Raven frowned. He was looking right at her. "Gar…""Trust me." The Changeling whispered surely, staring into her eyes.The empath continued to frown worriedly, but she took a deep breath and waited. The melody wasn't unfamiliar, but she couldn't bring it to mind at the moment. Whatever it was, he clearly wanted to express something, and while it was all a little too public for her, it seemed like it was important to him.
He asked me to trust him. I do want to trust him.Klarion tried to sneak out. He knew what his spell had done to them and if the Changeling was about to serenade her, he really didn't want to watch. But Wally caught him and Robin punched him and Cyborg forced him to his knees and they told him to "shut up or else", so he huffed and rolled his eyes."When I look into your eyes…" Garfield softly but firmly sang the first words of
I Won't Give Up (JasonMraz)
to Raven, taking it absolutely seriously.The empath was a little taken aback by his intensity. It did feel like there was no one else there with them with the way he was looking at her. She held her breath and for the first time, she was the one who felt trapped in his eyes, because she couldn't look away. Garfield sang while slowly approaching her and gently cupped her face in his hands, tilting it upwards so he could continue staring into her now slightly vulnerable eyes at the chorus. And then he let go of her and took a few steps back to sing the next verses."…when you're needing your space…"Raven knew she had heard this song before, but she had never paid this much attention to it. And now she felt like every word could have been written about her and about them, because every word he was singing to her was exactly what she needed to hear. As far as she was concerned, these were the most romantic lyrics ever written. And then his voice got higher when the music grew and the other boys joined in singing backing vocals.There was no cheesy boy band choreography. It was raw and simple and Raven thought it was absolutely perfect. And he was singing about waiting for her and she felt safe and lucky and she had to struggle to keep her powers under control. And then he got to the bridge of the song and walked up to her again with even more sincerity and intensity in his eyes.Garfield could see it while he sang to her, her eyes were much more vulnerable now. In fact, there were tears in them. Good tears.
That's it, love. You can trust me. I won't let you down again. He could feel his own eyes welling up now too. "I had to learn what I got, and what I'm not, and who I am…"Oh, shit. She cradled his face in her hands as the song got even bigger now and the last choruses filled the night air by candlelight on the roof when every single one of her friends backed him up and he sang surely and lovingly to her. Then something different happened. They levitated slightly as her powers involuntarily and gently lifted them about a foot into the air, but neither of them even flinched. Raven was vaguely aware of the iridescent glow randomly floating through the rooftop, but mostly twirling around the two of them."Well this is new…" Terra giggled at the magical beam ray dancing around.The Titans marveled at what this particular song was doing to her powers. Whatever fuzzy feeling Raven was feeling, for once it didn't cause havoc. It looked like moonlight, but even softer. It lit up the roof, appearing and vanishing and swirling playfully between them. It was absolutely beautiful."I won't give up…" Garfield's voice softened when he began singing the final part of the song on his own, taking one of her hands from his face and placing it over his heart. Her powers settled down, gently lowering them to the floor. All he could think about was he definitely found a new song to serenade her to.They stared at each other with vulnerable, watery eyes and in complete silence for a few seconds after he was done, and then Raven inhaled and retrieved her hands, finally looking away from his eyes and clearing her throat. She swallowed her tears and only then allowed herself to look at him again. He was smiling affectionately at her, so she offered a quick but genuine smile back. She knew everyone was smiling ridiculously enormous smiles at them. Even Aqualad was feeling warm towards them after that song. She was grateful for them, but she didn't want to talk about it, so she decided to ignore all of it for now.The empath opened her hand and Klarion's magical amulet flew directly to her, encased in dark energy. "This will do."Reversing the spell was pretty quick and soon enough, everyone felt this weird magical energy leaving their bodies and sighed in relief. The girls wanted to talk to Raven about what her powers had done on the roof and what it meant, but she dismissed them by claiming it had been a long day, so the Titans just headed back to the ops room."Thank God that's over." Ravager said with utter sincerity."Yeah. Still the weirdest thing that's ever happened to us." Cyborg nodded.After the sweetness of Garfield's last song dissipated, all the awkwardness from all the previous involuntary revelations took over the room again and now everyone was glaring at the Witch Boy, who was seated on the couch."Worst karaoke night ever." Speedy declared, earning multiple nods in agreement.Ravager and Robin sat on each side of Klarion with smug smiles on their faces."So…that last one must have been difficult to watch." Rose said teasingly.The warlock just glared at her. She wasn't wrong."You deserve a lot worse." Damian muttered angrily."Look, this wasn't what I meant to do, okay?" Klarion said defensively. "This was
your
bad luck witch messing up my spell.""Can we gag him?" Jinx suggested."Yes, please." Garfield glared daggers at their prisoner."No, you're right, Klarion. You just meant to hypnotize our friend into loving you." Cyborg folded his arms. "What was it you said? Let Trigon destroy this world and find a nice hellish dimension to rule together…?"The Witch Boy grimaced. "Yes, I…well, I…""So
what
should I do with
you?" Raven's stern, slow voice cut him off.The warlock felt his blood run cold at that. He knew when she was mad. Klarion gulped and looked up to see the empath staring down at him with severe eyes."I mean, you've been a constant, annoying, surprisingly resourceful, thorn in my side.""I'm sorry, Raven. I actually
was
drunk."She frowned. "You're sorry you got caught. And how is
that
better?""I…well, you know I'd never hurt you.""But you
did
hurt me, Klarion. And you could have done a lot worse. Maybe I should let the Changeling's Werebeast deal with you." She took pleasure in seeing color drain from his face as Garfield cracked his knuckles behind her, smiling wickedly. "Or maybe I could banish you to the Phantom Zone or erase all your memories…" He turned even paler. "I would absorb your powers, but honestly I don't want anything from you, the thought alone makes me feel all…itchy." She shivered in disgust."Please don't do any of that." Klarion said urgently. "I won't betray you again, I swear."Raven tapped her foot and narrowed her eyes. She sensed Starfire coming up beside her. "What do you think, Kor?""I think you shouldn't trust him for a second." The Tamaranean said seriously. They were both just playing with him, of course. They already knew what the plan was and Dick was taking care of that, but watching the desperate look on the warlock's face was entertaining.The empath nodded slowly. "Gar? Do you want to kill him for me?"The shapeshifter smiled menacingly. He knew what the plan was too, but he was enjoying this as much as she was. Besides, he
really
loved the way Raven had phrased that. "It would be my pleasure."Klarion was horrified. To him, death by his hands was worse than by hers. She knew that too, of course. It was probably why she suggested it. "No, wait…""So, I just talked to Batman, and he said with Zatanna's help they can definitely contain him in some special magical prison." Nightwing walked back into the ops room, calmly delivering the news. "They'll give us a heads-up if he ever escapes, too."The Witch Boy exhaled and visibly relaxed. That sounded way better than Raven's threats."Dammit, Dick. We were still playing with him." Victor complained.Nightwing frowned. "Uh…sorry?""No, that's great." Raven told him. "Thank you." Then she turned her attention to the warlock again and leaned closer to him with menacing eyes to speak in a low, chilling voice. "If you ever come near me or any of my friends again, there will be no mercy."Klarion nodded. He knew she meant it. You can only annoy Raven so many times before she runs out of patience. He'd spent all his chances. "Understood."The empath left to her room without another word to anyone so she could meditate properly for the first time that whole day. It was late, but she knew the night wasn't over yet. That spell unfolded a lot and there would be drama in the tower for days to come. Garfield followed to check on her.As soon as they left, Conner pulled up a chair and sat on it backwards, resting his arms on the back of the chair in a relaxed manner and staring at a miserable Klarion. "Get over it, dude. I don't think it's possible to break up those two."The Witch Boy grumbled under his breath and rolled his eyes."Yeah, maybe find something more productive to do." Rose chuckled mischievously. "Go find that cat of yours instead of stalking a girl who's clearly not interested.""She
told
you about Teekl!?" Klarion practically squeaked.Barely anyone knew about his familiar. Teekl had been lost for a while now after they had a disagreement, back when he first met Raven. He'd felt slightly incomplete since. If anyone killed her, he would be forced to go back to his original dimension. He'd asked the empath to find her for him, but she said that was his mess to fix on his own and she would never force Teekl to take him back. He remembered bitterly thinking she would probably do it for the Changeling. He knew Raven never loved him. She was honest about it. She never let him think she loved him. Of course she'd told her entire team about his greatest weakness."Don't worry; Rae likes cats. She wouldn't hurt yours." Kory said seriously.Salem meowed and Klarion almost smiled at him. "Yeah, I know. But one of
you
might.""That's not how we do things." Cyborg said plainly."But you should definitely focus on fixing
that
relationship." Rose insisted.The warlock frowned and sighed.
She might be right, actually.When Raven came back into the ops room, the Flash had already come over to take Klarion away, so now everyone was acting bitter and awkward towards each other without a common target to direct their anger at. She only came out to tell Garfield she was ready to talk. He had gone after her earlier, but she'd explained she really did need to meditate.Now that she was here though, she was a little distracted by all the arguing going on all around because of all the secrets out of the closet. Aqualad, Speedy and Changeling seemed to be bickering, Nightwing and Cyborg were calling Conner out on something, Robin and Ravager just looked embarrassed again and so did Terra. Wally and Jinx were talking it out, but it was clearly a loaded conversation."I just feel so violated." Terra hugged herself and shuddered. "I mean, no one should be forced to out their feelings that openly. It's not…natural."Everyone nodded adamantly in agreement, except for Raven, who remained completely unfazed, watching the whole thing with slight interest, but very little curiosity.Jinx noticed and narrowed her eyes at the empath, folding her arms. "You don't agree?"Raven shrugged. "Of course I do.""Yeaaah, but you're awfully calm." Cyborg narrowed his eyes as well.The sorcerer frowned. "Am I supposed to be on edge?"Aqualad scratched his head. "I mean, kinda. Aren't you shocked or…I don't know, upset about something?""Like what?"Kid Flash tiredly counted on his fingers. "Like Aqualad pining over you and Terra at the same time, or Conner flirting with everyone, or Terra suddenly being the female version of Conner, or Robin there having a thing for Slade's daughter, or-""She got it." Rose said pointedly, interrupting him as her face turned red and she looked away from an equally flushed Damian."Oh. Mmm…well…" Raven bit her lip."You already knew about all the stuff we revealed, didn't you?" Jinx asked, making every head turn to the empath in shock."Well, I…" Raven looked around the room and realized some people were deeply bothered by that. Not that they blamed her, but suddenly being aware of how much secret information her powers gave her access to made them somewhat uncomfortable. So she pointed a finger at Superboy. "Conner eavesdrops on other people's conversations."
Well that was childish of me. Maybe Garfield is rubbing off on me a bit too much.Superboy gasped defensively when everyone looked at him. "I have
super-hearing;
I can't just turn it off!""Well I can't turn it off either!" Raven argued, shooting him a slightly apologetic look."Okay, guys. It's all good." Bumblebee chuckled light-heartedly, deciding to be the voice of reason. "Let's not let the fact that we all feel a little ridiculous right now make us take it out on Raven or Conner or anyone else with involuntary invasive powers, yes?"They reluctantly seemed to agree with that."Oh, but…we do need you to fix this when you can." Richard told the empath, pointing at the large crack on their window.Raven smirked. "Oh, Jinx can fix that now."They all turned to the enchantress with questioning looks and she shrugged and told them all about how she figured out how to use her powers to fix instead of jinx, which was followed by a wave of praises and compliments she fully appreciated. Besides, all the bickering from moments ago was momentarily forgotten. Jinx fixed the window and sighed contently, with a smug smile on her face. It didn't come naturally for her and it wasn't easy, but she could do it. It's not that she didn't like her powers before; it's just that she liked knowing they could do some good, too. The pink-haired girl was still admiring her work when everyone dispersed and Raven approached her."Good job, by the way." The empath said kindly. "Also,
sincerity and vulnerability?
Good answer." She nodded, referring to what Jinx told Conner earlier.The enchantress thought of ten different snarky comments, but in the end she decided against them for once. "Thanks for telling Wally what you saw in my head. And thanks for working on
this
with me." She tilted her head towards the fixed glass.Raven smiled slightly. "Thanks for stopping Klarion today.""You already thanked me for that. I think we're going overboard with the soppiness."The sorcerer rolled her shoulders back and cleared her throat. "Yes, I think you're right.""Take care of Rose. I can't tell you what I watched her sing, but it was brutal."Raven nodded. "I can imagine. Don't worry, I will." She spotted Garfield out of the corner of her eye, already heading to his own room.
He thinks I don't want to talk tonight. "Excuse me.""Raven?" Jinx called as the empath floated away.She stopped and looked over her shoulder. "Yes, Jinx?""I know I often give you a hard time, but…you know I got you, right?" The enchantress smirked. "I mean, witches and bitches stick together."Raven turned around in shock and shot Jinx a small, but genuine smile. "I got you, too."Garfield wasn't expecting her to knock on his door at this point. He was almost certain she wouldn't want to discuss any of it anytime soon. So when he sniffed her scent, his lips spread into a wide grin. "Get in, Rae."She phased through his door and observed his room. She'd come over two or three times since she came back, but it had been dark and she hadn't really paid attention to her surroundings. Now she realized it was
much
cleaner than it used to be – though it was still messy. His bed was a welcome change, of course. It was larger and there was no top bunk to bump your head into in the morning. But right now what she noticed was the raven plush she'd gotten him resting on his pillow. Raven smiled absentmindedly then averted her gaze to his lean, toned, green back while he lazily changed into sleeping clothes. She blushed and tilted her head to watch until he put on his t-shirt and turned around."What's up?" The shapeshifter asked her before grabbing the bottle of soy milk he brought and taking a gulp. It's not that he didn't love her standing there silently in the middle of his room being all mysterious and stoic, it's just that she probably just wanted to get the book she left there last time or politely say good night or something, and he was spent after the day they'd had, so he figured he should get to the point already."We need to talk about all that singing." Raven said plainly.That caught him by surprise. Garfield choked on the milk and bumped his foot on the bed at the same time and needless to say, he spilled a considerable amount of soy milk on himself. The shapeshifter sighed, staring down at his body, before gathering the courage to look at her. In moments like this, he was always slightly concerned she would suddenly think he was too goofy, too childish or too stupid for her. But when he did look up, she was pressing her lips together to fight back a smile in the cutest possible way, with fondness in her eyes.The Changeling smiled in relief and headed to his door. "Sure. Can you please get me another shirt first? I'll clean up and I'll be right back."Raven floated to his closet and tossed him a dark-blue tee she loved on him. She also tossed him the dinosaur boxers, shooting him a small smile. He caught them and chuckled freely before leaving for a few minutes. When he came back, she'd noticed something big and square hidden under a white sheet on the bottom of his closet."I'm glad you still like these, actually." Garfield said, pointing at his boxers."I do. Hey, what's that?" She asked, still staring at the abandoned rectangle inside the closet.The Changeling frowned and approached her to see what she meant. Then his face lit up. "Oh, right! I totally forgot about that." He merrily picked it up and removed the sheet to reveal the painting he'd made of her on his 21st birthday. He admired the art again and allowed it to warm his heart. He hadn't looked at it in so long. And then he noticed she was smiling too, so he hung it up on his wall. "There. I took it down after you left…" Garfield went to sit on his bed. "It just hurt too much to see it mocking me and reminding me of my failure every day."Raven nodded slowly and sat down beside him. "I'm glad it's not mocking you anymore."The shapeshifter chuckled softly, looking down and staring at his own hands. "Because you're here. Thank you. Thank you for forgiving me and for coming home."The empath reached out to gently stroke his hair, which made him turn his head towards her in surprise. She smiled sweetly. "On that note…and regarding all that singing we did…you know I love you, right?"He automatically beamed. His smile got so big and bright his cheeks ached. And his chest burned in bliss and his stomach instantly fluttered, because she was saying it again. "I mean…I had a
feeling."Raven continued stroking his hair. "Well, I do.""I love you, too. But you know you don't need to rush your healing, right? I really
will
be here no matter what. And if it takes all our lives, I'll still be here too. I meant what I said when I ran to your evil lair that night." Garfield said playfully. "You're not gonna lose me."Oh, my Azar. She scooted closer and rested her chin on his shoulder, looking at him with a slightly sad smile. "I didn't know you knew I was still hurting."The shapeshifter nodded. "I do. I'm trying to…well, you heard the songs.
That. All of that." He tried to ignore his eager heart aching with her proximity and intimacy. "And you know I'll never forgive myself, right? I know what I did."Raven sighed and wrapped her arms around him, resting her hands on his waist, with her chin still on his shoulder. She whispered. "I wish you would. Forgive yourself, I mean."He shook his head and looked straight ahead. "No, I can't. It's not possible.""Gar…I can live with losing the Sixth Dimension and immortality. I can even live with losing salvation." The empath said softly, straightening up. She could sense absolute shock and confusion from him. "Don't get me wrong…it hurts." She said seriously. "But…I can make my peace with it and move on. Losing it all hurt, but it wasn't exactly what made me snap."The Changeling frowned. He definitely couldn't make his peace with it and move on. He silently pledged to himself he would still at least find a way to save her soul. But he wouldn't hurt her with pointless hope until he succeeded, so he decided to just address the part of that speech that really surprised him. "It wasn't?"Raven shook her head lightly. "It was the fact that
you
were the one to take it away from me. That was the worst part." She sensed his guilt and quickly held his hand, intertwining their fingers. He gratefully accepted it and she looked into his eyes and whispered her next words intently. "And you've been helping me heal, like you always have. I can't even begin to tell you how well. So…can you please forgive yourself? I don't want this to torture you anymore."Garfield's face contorted through an emotional hurricane. Relief, regret, gratitude, love, sorrow and surprise mixed together, filling his eyes with tears. He hadn't expected those words. He didn't even know how much he longed for those words until she said them. She noticed, obviously, so she cradled his head and gently pulled it to her shoulder. The shapeshifter buried his face in the crook of her neck and sobbed quietly, wrapping his arms around her waist.She kissed the top of his head and stroked his hair again, speaking soothingly. "I'm okay, Gar. I'll be okay. And I love you. You can heal too."He sniffled softly. "You have no idea what this means to me."Raven felt her chest burn for him again. "Can I stay here tonight? Just to be close to you?"Garfield smiled against her skin, inhaling her scent. "Is that a serious question?"She chuckled quietly into his hair. "Let's go to bed, love."It was his chest's turn to ache.
She called me love. And she meant it. I can't fucking believe this is happening.
He lifted his head and softly kissed her lips. "Yes, my love." He kissed her again, more playfully this time. "Whatever you want, my love." Another cheesy, quick kiss. "I'll follow you anywhere, my love." At this point, she was giggling, and he held her face for a deeper kiss.Raven pulled away after several passionate seconds and got herself a loose tee from his closet. She changed with her back turned to him and she just
knew
he was staring intently at her bare skin, because she could feel his excitement as she took off her armor and put on his shirt. The empath turned around to smile softly at him.Garfield thought he would burst with happiness at the sight, but he didn't want to seem too eager so he didn't say anything – he just beamed at her. They lay down and he wrapped his arms and legs around her and laid his head on her shoulder while she ran her fingers up and down his arms and listened as he filled her in on all the gossip she'd missed earlier. And they fell asleep with lighter hearts.

I Won't Give Up (Jason Mraz)

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Raven woke up to light fingertips brushing against her abdomen under the t-shirt's fabric and a gentle voice singing quietly into her shoulder. She smiled before she opened her eyes, because she knew who they belonged to."I'm giving you all of my love…" Garfield murmured the melody of
I Won't Give Up.Raven lazily stroked his hair. "Are we still singing? Didn't I stop that?"He laughed softly. "Morning, love. And yes, you did. This is just my usual self.""Ah, yes, of course. I forgot how musical you are. You haven't sung in a while.""Well I did sing
Against All Odds
all the time when you were gone. I think I ruined it for Damian; he still can't listen to it without being profoundly annoyed."The empath chuckled quietly. "Maybe you should learn an instrument."His head shot up to look at her. "Wait, that's like, an
awesome
idea!"She raised an eyebrow. "I have a feeling I'll regret this
awesome
idea.""Too late. I'm totally doing it!""Just don't tell the others it was my idea.""Hey, RaeRae?""I'm not answering to that.""Oh, I wasn't talking to you. I was talking to..." He reached for his raven plush. "Her! What's that, RaeRae? You think Raven looks cute in my clothes? Yes, I agree."The sorcerer frowned. "You named it RaeRae? Seriously?"The Changeling shot her a toothy grin. "I certainly did."She rolled her eyes, contemplating the stuffed animal's lack of dignity. "Better her than me, I guess."Garfield laughed light-heartedly. "So, what do you want to-" Their communicators rang, interrupting his thoughts. He glanced at his to see a message from Nightwing. "Maaan,
emergency meeting!? Didn't we
just
solve an emergency yesterday?"Raven was already sitting up, stretching and getting ready to start her day. She also heard Salem scratching the Changeling's door and magically phased him through it, floating him to her lap. He was used to magic by now and remained completely unfazed, purring contently as she rubbed his back. "I'm sure it's important."It was his turn to roll his eyes.
Of course she would say that. "Fiiiine."Richard cleared his throat once they gathered in the ops room. "Titans East…I know you've done more than your share, but I was hoping you'd stick around for one more endeavor.""Why not? We're already here." Speedy leaned back and folded his arms. "What is it?""The League of Assassins." Nightwing said plainly, not failing to notice his brother immediately stiffen. "They've been sort of…targeting us. Trying to get Damian to rejoin.""You should know Ra's won't hesitate to kill any of you if you help, though." Robin muttered to the Titans East. "And he's basically immortal, so think hard before agreeing to this.""What kind of name is Ra's anyway?" Aqualad asked."Ra's al Ghul. Means
Head of the Demon." Damian answered dryly."I was actually hoping to avoid direct confrontation with your grandfather's elite assassins group." Dick told him."Well, obviously that's ideal, but…he promised
he
will come for
us." Cyborg said."I know." The Titan leader nodded. "I've been thinking about this a lot. I think we should have a display of power. Forge an encounter on our terms and let him know what he's up against."Damian frowned. "And
how
are you planning to get this so called encounter on our terms? He's not easy to find…""Well, I'm thinking Talia."The younger boy's eyebrows shot up. "Talia?""Yes, she protected you against Ra's on the roof. I saw it." Nightwing said pointedly. "Besides, she's your mother. I don't think she likes any of this.""I…I mean, probably." Robin admitted. "But still…how are you planning to get past Ra's and reach her?"Richard grimaced a little. "I haven't figured that part out yet.""Do you have something of hers?" Raven asked.Damian took a few seconds to realize she was talking to him. It was only when Rose elbowed him that he saw the empath watching him intently. "Oh, I…yes."Raven nodded surely and turned to Nightwing. "I'll reach her."Richard smiled. He'd definitely missed having her on the team. She didn't have as much fire power as Kory or Conner – at least on a regular day – but the wide range of possibilities with her powers made things so much easier. "Have I told you how glad I am you're back?"Talia al Ghul had been practicing, shooting at a moving target, when she thought she saw a shadow moving swiftly in the corner. It disappeared and when she turned to look for it, it was entering her body. The assassin was startled at the strange presence at first, but it didn't feel hostile. Whatever it was, it didn't mean to harm her. She heard a voice inside her head.

Talia? Oh, good. I've been trying to reach you. We need to talk.

Who is this? WHAT is this?

A friend of your son's.

Talia's brilliant mind worked fast.
Raven?

There you go.

How…what do you want to talk about?
The assassin made her best efforts to shield her mind in case the empath was trying to pry into secret plans and information.

Damian. And I'm not spying on you, don't worry.

What about Damian?

Your father will kill him. Or at least kill his spirit. I don't think you agreed to it.

Talia hesitated. Raven was right, she hadn't agreed. She could be a lot of things and most of them weren't good, but she loved Damian. She did want him back, but she never meant to go to such lengths for it, especially if it made her son resent her for the rest of his life.Besides, Ra's won't succeed.
The empath continued.
Klarion was supposed to make sure I wouldn't be a problem, right? He failed.

I see. And what do you expect from me?

Help me protect Damian. I know you care about him. I do too.

You want me to betray Ra's?

No, of course not. I think we can coexist. We don't want to confront you.

Well…then what DO you want?

We want to talk to him. Alone. Help us arrange a meeting. I promise he won't be harmed.

You want to reason with him? That's a bit naive.

We just want to show him what he's up against. So will you help?

How do I know I can trust you?

Trust Damian.

Talia pondered. She did trust Damian to that extent. And
he
trusted Raven and the other Titans. Besides, what choice did she have? Ra's would stop at nothing and she didn't want her son in harm's way anymore.
So the love spell didn't take, huh?

For all our sakes. I'm sure he didn't tell you, but he was fine with letting my father destroy your world and moving to another dimension.

I guess that's not surprising. He did seem unhinged. I'll help, but I have conditions.

Name them.

Ra's will never know I helped.

We weren't planning to tell him. Done.

And YOU will personally keep my son safe.

I already do. You don't need to ask for that.

Talia found herself smiling slightly.
Also, Deathstroke's daughter?

You noticed that? Perceptive.

Just make sure they don't do anything TOO stupid.

I'll do my best.

A few days later, Ra's followed a false lead thinking he would get Nightwing alone in a secluded location and finally kill him so Damian knew he meant business. But the first thing he noticed was the Boy Wonder's aggravating confidence. He seemed almost…chill. Then Robin and Ravager came in to back him up and the Head of the Demon started to understand why. The three of them fought him together for a while and only stopped once he was visibly tired."So this is a trap, then." The assassin still smiled wickedly while trying to catch his breath. "If you kill me, the entire League of Assassins will come for y-" His threats were cut short by the arrow flying dangerously close to his face, making him turn around at once."I thought you were coming for us anyway." Speedy smirked."You might want to rethink that, actually." Richard stated. "Let us show you why."And then the ground beneath Ra's feet crumbled. He quickly jumped sideways, but a blast of bad luck magic made him miss the mark. Fortunately, someone caught him and dropped him on safe ground again. He looked up to see Terra, Jinx and Bumblebee gloriously standing there, glaring at him. He reached for a hand grenade, but Wally West ran by him and it was gone in a heartbeat. Mas and Menos ran past him too and his swords disappeared. Then Kid Flash ran again and a gun was missing. They did this until he was completely unarmed."You have a lot of weaponry." Wally said smugly, standing next to the other speedsters with the villain's weapons at their feet.The Head of the Demon smirked. "Oh, I see. This is a demonstration of power.""Something like that." Damian said plainly, crossing his arms over his chest.Aqualad came in next, in an impressive water whirlwind, at the same time Cyborg shot a powerful, destructive blast at the wall right next to Ra's, which definitely got his attention."We're trying to give you an out before you engage against us again." Victor Stone said seriously. "Because you're
definitely
going down if you do."The villain grinned mischievously. "This
is
all very impressive, but…I have allies too, you know?"Nightwing's lips curved up in a small, sure smile. "Not like me, you don't."Superboy and Krypto flew in with threatening laser-red eyes to hover in the air on one side of Richard and Damian. Starfire came in to float on the other, with glowing green eyes and hands encased in balls of lilac energy. The aliens looked about as mighty as superheroes get.Robin smirked at his grandfather. "No snappy comeback?"Ra's was actually starting to worry. When you put them all together like this, it was a rather intimidating sight. He glared at Damian, but only for a second, because his eyes darted upwards as a huge dark-energy raven spread its wings above Nightwing and Robin's heads then dissipated to reveal an angry girl in a blue cloak."Yes, I'm still here." Raven said as her eyes glowed white, her hair and cape flew around and she proceeded to chant Latin words in an echoed, demonic voice. Several translucid corpses rose from the floor into the air – hundreds of troubled, violent spirits answering her call. She smiled wickedly. "Meet my new army."The Head of the Demon faltered. He would have taken multiple steps back, but that wouldn't help. He was surrounded. And then he heard a deafening, chilling roar and dreadfully looked up. There was a majestic green dragon flying high above them."Yes, he's with us too." Nightwing said pointedly.The Changeling breathed fire and they could feel the heat from several miles below."Let me be clear. If you come near
any
of us or refuse to leave Damian alone, we
will
destroy you." Richard promised.It was a very clear message. And it had been fully received. Ra's glanced at his grandson's decisive face and then back at Nightwing and nodded once. "We won't bother you anymore."Robin turned to Raven. "Well?"Her eyes were still glowing and she wasn't smiling anymore, which made her look even scarier. She tilted her head, reading the villain's emotions. "Truth."Dick nodded back at Ra's. "Good, it seems we understand each other."Damian folded his arms and glared at his grandfather one last time. "I hope we don't need to have this conversation again.""Take us home, Raven." Nightwing said confidently."Azarath, Metrion, Zinthos!"And then the Head of the Demon was alone in the empty, dark alley, with only the damage to the floor and wall beside him to prove it wasn't some weird dream.Back in Titan Tower, Damian could finally relax. As everyone else celebrated the iconic moment they'd just shared through loud conversations and laughter, he wasn't just excited. He was relieved. Robin smiled slightly and watched Rose talking to Raven and Terra, resting a hand on her hip in the coolest possible way. His heart raced a little. And then he saw his brother next to him out of the corner of his eye. "Your plan worked."Dick sighed contently and nodded. "I think so.""It did. I can tell. Thank you." Damian said sincerely.Richard smiled at him. "So…do you wanna talk about…" He looked in the direction the younger boy had been staring at. "…that?""Not really."Nightwing practically whined. "C'mon man, talk to me."Robin chuckled. "Look, Doomsday already had this conversation with me.""Oh?" Dick raised his eyebrows. He was considerably relieved, because he wasn't sure he would know what to say. "Did she manage to drill through your thick skull?""I mean, I did kiss Rose afterwards."Nightwing gasped and widened his eyes. "Wait, what!? Dude, you have to tell me that stuff!"Robin rolled his eyes and chuckled again. "She ran out and I felt kind of dumb. Besides, I was focused on Ra's and all that. But then she said she wanted to talk about it and we took a rain check on that, so…I guess we'll talk about it.""Right, right. Well, I think she likes you.""Yeah but what do
you
know? You took years to realize Starfire liked you and from what I've heard she was pretty obvious."Richard laughed openly. "Okay, fair enough. Still, it's better to know. Don't chicken out.""Fine, but you and Raven will have to make this up to me if I regret it.""What about me?" The empath asked, suddenly appearing by their side, making both boys jump slightly.Robin recovered and raised an eyebrow. "I said you'll have to make it up to me if I regret taking your advice about Rose."Raven rolled her eyes. "You'll be fine, Damian. No matter what happens, it won't kill you."Nightwing chuckled and elbowed his brother playfully. "See?
That's
reassuring, isn't it?"Robin folded his arms and smiled teasingly. "Yeah,
awesome
pep talk, Doomsday."She shrugged apologetically. "Sorry, pep talks are Kory's thing. Or Garfield's. Or Victor's. Or Dick's. Basically anyone but me."They shared light-hearted laughter at that."So are the spirits gone?" Richard asked her.Raven nodded. "Back to their restless rest. Hopefully we won't need them again so soon. It's a little exhausting." She gave Damian a soft smile. "But I'm glad it worked."He returned her smile. "Me too."Then the empath looked at Nightwing. "So, listen, I have an idea. About that thing."Richard frowned. "What thing...?" He took a few seconds to read the playful smirk on her otherwise enigmatic face. "Oh!
That
thing." Dick's eyes widened and he stood up, clearing his throat. "Okay, let's talk."Damian was as confused as it gets, but then he saw Rose walking up to him from across the room and forgot all about what he'd just witnessed.Raven and Nightwing were almost out of the ops room when the Changeling jumped in front of her with a breezy, toothy grin on his face and something hidden behind his back. The empath raised a suspicious eyebrow. "May I help you?""I figured out what I'm gonna learn how to play!" Garfield pulled out an instrument full of animal stickers from behind his back. "Tah-dah!"Raven tilted her head to the side. "A ukulele?""Well…yeah!" The Changeling beamed, admiring the instrument in his hands.She smiled a little.
That actually suits him. "Huh. Oddly appropriate."Garfield grinned dreamingly at her, enjoying the soft smile on her lips.Nightwing frowned dreadfully and whispered to Raven. "He's learning an instrument? Was this
your
idea?"
We'll never get another minute of silence in this tower.The empath shrugged innocently. "I'm sure I have no idea where this came from.""Yeah. I came up with this all by myself." The shapeshifter said, doing such a poor job at lying he might as well have winked at her.Raven chuckled quietly while Richard sighed and rubbed his temples, then she told Garfield to pay attention to Damian and Rose so he could report it all to her later and pulled Nightwing away. Salem curiously followed them, but Krypto and Silkie decided to stay in the ops room, because there was a lot going on.Rose Wilson sat down next to Damian by the kitchen counter and looked around to make sure nobody was listening. "So...""So…"She sighed, wondering how to even begin. She wasn't sure he was ready to talk about them yet. "I think Terra and Superboy are getting friend-""Can we talk?" Robin blurted out.Ravager frowned. "Isn't that what we're doing?""I mean…can we talk about…you know." Damian shrugged slightly, trying to appear as nonchalant as he possibly could, but he shot her a meaningful look anyway.Rose felt her heart race significantly and nodded.
Here we go. "Sure…" They both stared at the floor in silence for a few seconds before she spoke again in a firm, but quiet voice. "I did sing about you. Like, in that weird musical nightmare. I sang a song in my room. It was about you."Robin turned his head to her at once, with wide eyes. "You did!? Wait,
which
song!?"She huffed and folded her arms. "I'm not telling
you."Damian sighed in frustration. "Seriously? That's not fair. You could at least give me that much after running off when I kissed you."Rose smirked. "Life's not fair." They chuckled awkwardly and she gathered up courage for the next part. "In my defense, I was born from a
terrible
relationship."Damian smiled slightly. "So was I. My parents are
awful
to each other."Ravager chuckled a bit more openly. "Yeah, I guess we have that in common. But I guess what I'm trying to say is…I think you're pretty cool."Robin studied her face. There was a glint in her eyes. It was a little mischievous and a little playful, but in a way he hadn't seen before. Her smirk seemed softer than usual, too.
Wait a minute, is that…is she being flirty?
He smiled boldly. "I think you're pretty cool too, Rose."Her smile widened and she looked straight ahead and whispered her next words while her heart pounded in her chest. "Wanna kiss again?"Fuck, yes.
Damian grinned smugly. "My room is closer."Robin and Ravager had been making out in his room for at least ten minutes when they heard someone knock on the door. They'd started kissing as soon as they stepped inside, all the longing and yearning suddenly coming to surface as they urgently explored each other's bodies. The teens chuckled into the kiss, wondering why it took them so long to do this when it felt so damn good. So when they heard someone knock, they pulled away hastily and stared at each other in silence, hoping whoever it was would decide to just go away."Robin, I know you're there. Wait, who is…oh. Ravager?" Raven's voice became amused outside his door. "What are you two
doing
in there?"They grimaced at being caught and Damian whispered to a practically giddy Rose. "Out of all the people in this tower, of course the
empath
would knock on my door right now."One could practically hear the smile in Raven's voice. "Listen, I'm
truly sorry
to interrupt, but…something's about to happen. You'll want to be there for it."That sparked their curiosity. Robin cleared his throat. "Okay, be right there!"Rose straightened up and fixed her disheveled hair. He did the same, but she chuckled and reached out to fix his hair for him, because he'd only managed to make it messier.When they opened the door, the sorcerer had one eyebrow up and a smirk on her lips. She noticed their flushed cheeks and with the feelings she had sensed emanating from them it was clear beyond doubt what they had been doing. "Good for you.""Don't start." Damian muttered, amusing her further. "So what's so important?"The empath smiled mysteriously. "You'll see."When Nightwing and Raven gathered everyone in the ops room to announce they were going to the carnival, the heroes were more than a little confused.Garfield narrowed his eyes. "Not that I'm complaining, but…this was
your
idea?""Yeah that's sort of unusual." Cyborg agreed with his best friend.Nightwing chuckled nervously and scratched his head. "What? No, it's not. I just thought we all deserved a little fun. I do that all the time.""I mean…" The Changeling pondered. "More like someone else suggests fun and you eventually end up accepting it.""Did
you
suggest it, friend Raven?" Starfire asked through a smile.The sorcerer frowned. "What? Don't be absurd. It was Dick's idea. He just asked me if I was too tired because of all the summoning earlier. I told him I'm not, so we can go."Richard quickly nodded. "Yeah, that's it. Totally my idea. Absolutely spontaneous; no scheming of any kind going on.""Right…" Raven shot Dick a questioning look that meant
did your brain suddenly abandon you?Cyborg and Garfield were
beyond
suspicious, but they also really liked the idea of going to the carnival, so they said nothing."Oh,
marvelous!" Starfire squealed, twirling in the air.Once they got there, Robin immediately approached Raven and whispered. "Is coming to this place the thing you thought I wouldn't want to miss?""Give me more credit, Damian. I know you better than that."He frowned. "But then what-""Trust me.""It's just that I was kind of in the middle of something important…""Hey, man!" The Changeling greeted him, approaching them with a cotton candy in each hand."Hey, Garfield."Raven smiled and took the carnival treats from the shapeshifter, handing one to Damian. "Here, attend to your
something important
by giving her this and trust me."Robin lamely stared at the cotton candy.
Does Rose even like this stuff? It's so…pink.The shapeshifter squeaked in outrage. "Hey! That one was mine!""I thought maybe we could share this one." She suggested as she gracefully took a small bite.Garfield grinned idiotically, feeling ridiculously excited at the prospect of sharing food with her, because it made him feel like they were an actual couple. "Yeah, totally. Cooool."Damian rolled his eyes and left to go give Rose her cotton candy, which to his surprise, she did really appreciate. She hadn't had it since she was a kid."You know, I could
swear
I saw Batman somewhere around here…" Garfield told Raven, looking around suspiciously.Her lips curved up in a Monalisa smile. "Could you really?"
Good eyesight, love."Hey, Star?" Nightwing asked with kind eyes, also holding cotton candy in his hand. "Let's go on the Ferris Wheel."Kory beamed at him and nodded. When it was their turn, he said they were waiting to get into compartment number three and her grin widened even more. "You remember!""Of course I do." Nightwing smiled charmingly. "It's the same compartment we took all those years ago when you tried cotton candy for the first time. I already liked you so much. And then you got kidnapped by those weird alien tentacles…but, that's not happening tonight." He chuckled and opened the door for her once their compartment arrived.Kory giggled and happily stepped inside the carnival ride. "Oh, I sure hope not!"Once they were seated, Dick offered her cotton candy she gladly accepted and gathered up the nerve to do what he set out to do. "That was also the first time you saw fireworks, wasn't it?"Starfire's eyes sparkled. "Oh, yes it was! They were most wonderful!""I think you'll like tonight's fireworks even better." He smiled at her with so much affection she blushed under his gaze. "At least I hope so.""Why is that?" Kory wasn't sure what had gotten into him, but she wasn't complaining. She really liked the way he was looking at her – even with that mask on.Nightwing's heart was pounding wildly at this point. "You'll see."

Raven? It's time.

The empath stopped at the sound of Richard's voice in her head. She'd kept their link open so he could reach out to her.
I got you. Good luck.Garfield frowned at her sudden stop. "Rae? What's wrong?""I'm okay. You might want to watch the fireworks."Starfire gasped in awe when it began. They were bigger than she remembered. And they were silent, but loud music immediately played on the carnival's speakers as soon as the show started. It was
Marry You (Bruno Mars),
but she didn't read into it. The fireworks, however, were mesmerizing, because they exploded in fantastic blasts of bright green and violet, making her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Kory couldn't help but feel like those fireworks were
specially
made for her – little did she know they were. Everyone down on the ground had also been marveling at the lights dancing in the sky, including the Titans."Here comes the finale…" Nightwing whispered sweetly beside his girlfriend.And then it happened. The fireworks went up into the night sky and exploded into two very bright, colorful and clear words:
Marry Me.
And then under those words, there was a spark, very much like a really bright star, which appeared to catch on fire and go up in flames. Kory's face lit up at the realization
someone
was proposing already, but the gears were still turning in her mind.
There was a star…andthen it caught on fire…star…fire.
She gasped again and turned her head to Richard, who had a nervous smile on his face, holding up a small box and revealing a gorgeous diamond ring.Rae, take us down.
The empath heard Dick's voice in her head again.The Titans had been letting out gasps and squeals of their own. They were clapping, cheering, smiling gigantically and expectantly while staring up at the Ferris Wheel, hopelessly trying to catch a glimpse of Starfire's reaction. Only Superboy, Cyborg and Changeling could, and what they saw was a mouth-agape Tamaranean with happy tears in her eyes."Guys?" Raven called.When they turned to her, Dick and Kory had been teleported to the ground, so they promptly gathered around them. The words were still burning brightly in the sky and the romantic, melodious music was still playing. Batman joined the Titans and placed a hand on Damian's shoulder, watching Richard through emotional eyes. Robin glanced up at his father and shot him a quick smile before going back to rejoicing in his brother's happiness. Civilians crowded around the superheroes, pulling out their phones to capture the moment."I
knew
I'd seen Batman!" Garfield whispered – or more accurately, squeaked in utter ecstasy – to Raven, earning a soft chuckle and a fond eye roll from her."Kory, I've never been as sure about anything as I am about this, about
us." Nightwing said before getting down on one knee, with the ring in his hand. "So in front of all our friends tonight, will you make me the happiest person in the world and marry me?""Now
that
is an engagement ring." Jinx nodded approvingly.It
had
been expensive. He'd bought the ring a while ago, because he had been entertaining the idea of proposing for some time now. He only had been struggling with
how
to do it.Starfire was crying tears of joy at this point. She floated into the air a little in absolute bliss, giggling and nodding frantically. "Of
course
I will!"Richard smiled wider than he thought was possible and stood up to lift her and spin her around then kiss her passionately while their friends all clapped and cheered. Then he took her hand in his and clumsily placed the ring on her trembling finger.Kory admired it. It sparkled so much and from every angle and direction. She absolutely loved it. "It's so
perfect!All
of this was perfect!"He kissed her again, more softly this time. "Good. You deserve perfect."Most of the Titans approached to congratulate the couple. Civilians were still curiously watching and excitedly taking selfies or making videos. Garfield observed Raven as she hung back and smiled slightly at them from afar. He narrowed his eyes. "You were in on all this.""Mm?" She asked, still distracted by all the joy and not letting it make her lose control."This proposal. It was spot on. And those fireworks…you had a lot to do with this, didn't you?"Raven turned her head to look at him and shrugged. "I may have helped a little."The Changeling grinned at her. "You'll never cease to amaze me, will you?""I certainly hope not." She said in a flirty voice before walking towards Kory and Dick, because now there wasn't as much of a crowd around them.Garfield stood there with a dreamy grin on his face for a few moments, shook his head and ran after her. It was just Damian, Raven and Batman with Nightwing and Starfire now. The two girls took one look at each other and hugged blissfully, without a single word, lingering there in each other's arms for a bit, so the shapeshifter decided to address Richard first."Hey, congratulations!" The Changeling merrily hugged Dick. "Seriously, this is
so awesome!""Yeah, I think so too." Nightwing chuckled. "Thanks, man.""I'm proud of you." Bruce said kindly."And I'm, you know, happy for you." Damian contained his smile, but it was obvious he was beaming internally.Richard hugged his adoptive father first. "Thank you. For everything." Then he turned to his brother and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know you're not a hugger, but-oh!" He was cut off by Damian's quick, but firm hug. Nightwing chuckled happily.Starfire and Raven finally pulled apart and Garfield hugged Kory, telling her to hug as tightly as she wanted before turning into a particularly resilient alien creature himself. She was grateful for it and immediately squealed and squeezed him while the empath watched fondly.Then Raven playfully elbowed Dick. "Well done."Nightwing beamed at her. "Best right-hand woman ever. Thanks."She dismissed him with a hand wave. "I got you, boss."They chuckled together as Starfire and the Changeling finished their aggressive hug."Hey, little brother?" Richard asked Damian, who was smiling in an uncharacteristically carefree way and looking sideways – at Rose, Dick noticed.Robin turned his attention back to Nightwing. "Yeah, what?""Will you be my best man?"Damian's eyes widened for a brief second, and then he tried to cover up how moved he was, but he did a mediocre job at it. "Are you sure you want a troubled teen to do that?"Garfield was standing next to Raven and feeling unbelievably grateful for a sweet and happy moment such as this. He wanted to take it all in and seize it after all the darkness they had gone through. His heart became even fuller and his face brighter when he felt Raven's fingers brushing against his. He glanced at her and she was staring at the others, not giving it away in the slightest, so he did the same. He continued to smile at their friends as he intertwined their fingers, holding her hand."Troubled teens is our whole brand, isn't it? And yeah, I'm sure I want my brother to be my best man." Nightwing rolled his eyes and grinned.Robin playfully rolled his eyes as well. "Well, then…I'd love to.""How wonderful!" Kory clapped.Richard and Bruce smiled so fondly at him that Damian took a step back and frowned. "I don't want another group hug, please."They chuckled again and then Nightwing and Starfire expectantly turned to Raven. She discreetly let go of Garfield's hand."What?" The empath shrugged in confusion."What do you mean
what?
Will you be my maid of honor?" Kory asked hopefully.Raven's lips parted and her eyes widened slightly. "Oh. You want…you want
me
to be…?""I mean, you said you would be! Remember? We talked about it on Halloween when we were Buffy and Willow! Before you got those vibes from the X-Men!"The empath smiled softly at the memory of that day. "No, I know, I remember…I just thought that when it actually happened you'd ask someone else."They seemed confused at that. Even Batman."Who do you think I would ask, Rae? My sister?" Kory chuckled. "You're my best friend!""I am. I just thought maybe you'd prefer Terra or Bumblebee to do it – which is fine, by the way; if you prefer them. It's your day. I mean, I would understand.""Why?" Starfire frowned and tilted her head. "Do you not want to?""Oh, no, it's not that." Raven chuckled quietly. "I just…you know…I'm not…you know."Nightwing and the Changeling were even more confused than Starfire. They just stared at her quizzically, silently requesting the full explanation.The sorcerer sighed. "I'm not really
maid of honor
material."Now
Starfire got it. Her face immediately softened. "Nonsense, friend. I will ask someone else if
you
are not comfortable with it, but
only
in that case.""Are you
sure
you want
me
to do this? To plan your bridal shower, your bachelorette party, help you pick the dress, and so on?" Raven narrowed her eyes."Wait, do I get to plan the bachelor party?" Damian whispered to Bruce, who just chuckled under his breath.Richard and Garfield both understood Raven's insecurities now. She thought Kory would want someone girly and cheerful to do it. They both smiled fondly at the empath."I am absolutely sure." Starfire said intently, looking into her best friend's eyes."What about what everyone will say? Maybe you failed to notice, but people still change sidewalks and pull their kids away when I show up, especially after the Sirens and everything I've…it won't look good."The shapeshifter furrowed his brows. He
had
noticed. It was one of the reasons he was always nearby, in case she needed him. The Titans taking her back helped, but the world had been more hostile towards her. He knew she didn't hold it against them and it would get better in time, but it still wounded him.Kory's sure stare never wavered. "Friend. I do not care."The empath looked between the Tamaranean and Nightwing and sensed nothing but certainty and trust from both of them, so she allowed her eyes to well up a bit and a soft smile to appear on her lips. "Then…I'd be honored."Starfire let out a high-pitched, happy sound and fought back the urge to give her a second hug. Richard's grin widened and he thought about asking the Changeling to be his groomsman, but decided to wait until Cyborg was with them. Besides, he'd noticed Raven holding his hand and figured giving them some privacy was the friendliest course of action at the moment."Alright, kids. I need to head back. But I'm really glad I came for this. And I'll be there on your big day." Batman said in his calm and collected voice, saying goodbye to his sons.The Dark Knight gave Koriand'r a quick hug, welcoming her to the Batfamily – to which she responded by beaming and hugging him a bit too tight, then apologizing for it. He chuckled and turned to the Changeling, who was smiling up at him with childish, bright eyes. He ruffled his hair. Garfield was so starstruck he didn't bother fixing it up. Then Batman looked at Raven. She didn't love being touched, so he just offered her an approving nod. "Raven.""Batman." The empath gratefully returned his small gesture.And then Bruce Wayne left and they dispersed to enjoy the rest of the evening. Robin went to Ravager's side and they went on the rollercoasters and every ride where they could shoot at something – and got scarily competitive. In fact, they won nearly every prize available on the booths, to the point where they couldn't carry everything anymore and started distributing things among their fellow Titans. Starfire and Nightwing found themselves a quiet corner to enjoy each other's company and discuss their future – they were both relieved to find out neither of them wanted to move out of the tower just yet.Once they were alone again, Raven chuckled affectionately. "Your hair is messy."Garfield turned to her with a blissful grin. "Yeeeah but
Batman
messed it up!"She tilted her head and wrinkled her nose. "So you're leaving it like that?""Yep. I'm not touching it.""Okay, but you look insane.""Not touching it."The empath sighed. "What about me? Can
I
fix it?"He automatically opened his mouth to refuse it, but stopped himself.
Wait a minute, don't refuse her touching you. Never refuse her touching you.
"Well…yeah."Raven gracefully reached out and fixed his hair. "I'd say we should go find Terra and go on a ride with her, but I think she's making out with Conner somewhere. Bumble and Cy are on the love boat. So are Jinx and Wally. That just leaves Speedy, Aqualad, Mas and Menos.""Anyone but Aqualad." Garfield said adamantly.She fought back laughter. "You're never going to forgive him for that song, are you?""Highly
unlikely." He admitted."Well, they're probably all together, so…do you want to just go on a ride with me instead?"Garfield's smile got impossibly wider. "You mean, just us?""Sure.""That couldn't be-""Oh, good. You two. Here. Gifts." Ravager said, tossing a prize she and Damian won at the booths to Raven while he tossed one to the Changeling."Ah…thanks?" The shapeshifter shrugged."You won too many prizes, huh?" The empath raised an eyebrow.They just grinned smugly and then left to find more people to unload their stuff on.Beast Boy chuckled. "Those two are a thing now, right?""I'm pretty sure they were kissing earlier in Damian's room." Raven nodded."I know!" He squeaked. "I heard them talking about it; I've been dying to tell you! I mean,
finally!
Right? So what did you get?"She raised her hand with the rectangular box in it and smiled slightly. It was a puzzle. She liked puzzles. "At least they got that right. What's yours?""Oh, mine's…" Garfield looked down at his gift and frowned. Then he rolled his eyes, sighed tiredly and showed it to her. "They're just
so
hilarious, aren't they?"Raven bit her lip to hold back laughter. It was a dog collar and a leash. It was a badass dog collar too; all black and covered in spikes. She took it from him and pretended to examine it in her hands. "Oh, I don't know. I'm sure we can find
some
use for it."Garfield's brain malfunctioned.
Wait, is she talking dirty!?
She smiled suggestively at him and his stomach fluttered.
She IS talking dirty! THAT was a freaking sexual innuendo!
He flushed deeply and fast, nearly turning purple, and whispered to her. "Oh, you…that…you're
filthy."Raven remained unfazed, if not amused, and floated away elegantly.
I'm gonna make you howl, love.
"C'mon, it's a carnival. I want to
ride
on something."He gasped loudly.
Was THAT another naughty ambiguous remark!? It fucking was!
He shook his head and ran after her with a breezy grin.
I'm SO getting laid tonight.

Natural (Imagine Dragons)